NEW DELHI, June 4: The Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran on Thursday denied that the party’s former state chief K Annamalai has resigned from the party and also played down reports that the former IPS officer would launch a people’s movement that would culminate in a political party.
He said his visit to the national capital was primarily to meet the Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan regarding fertiliser-related issues. He also met the BJP general secretaries, he admitted. The BJP leader, however, categorically rejected reports of a rift between him and Annamalai.
Information from the Annamalai camp, however, contradicted Mr Nagendran’s claims. Sources close to Mr Annamalai said he was all set to chart a political course away from the BJP. In fact, he might reveal his plans to the public on Friday itself. The sources said he was preparing to launch a people’s movement aimed at identifying, training and grooming young leaders across Tamil Nadu, with plans to eventually transform it into a political party.
Annamalai, a former IPS officer, was appointed Tamil Nadu BJP president in 2021 and emerged as one of the party’s most visible faces in the state. But he was disappointed after being removed as the state president last year. He was also miffed with the BJP’s decision to revive its alliance with the AIADMK, a move he had opposed. He envisaged an independent political course for the party in Tamil Nadu. His argument for his alliance reluctance was perceived resistance from sections of the BJP and AIADMK leaders during his state-wide padayatra, which had significantly boosted his public profile.
Meanwhile, in a significant political gesture that underlines the growing partnership between the TVK and the Congress, Chief Minister Vijay has allotted the lone vacant Rajya Sabha seat from Tamil Nadu to his alliance partner, the Congress.
The decision is being seen as a major boost for the Congress, whose support remains crucial for the stability of the minority TVK government in Tamil Nadu. With the ruling party falling short of a majority on its own, the Congress’ five MLAs play a key role in sustaining the government.
The announcement came shortly after senior Congress leader and Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar met Vijay, fuelling speculation over the party’s choice for the Upper House berth. Political circles are abuzz with reports that Congress strategist Praveen Chakravarty could emerge as the party’s nominee. Chakravarty is widely credited with helping shape the Congress-TVK alliance that altered Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
The Rajya Sabha vacancy arose following the resignation of AIADMK leader CV Shanmugam from Parliament after his election to the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Congress leaders have welcomed Vijay’s decision, describing it as a generous and politically significant move. The Congress MP Jothimani said the additional seat would help strengthen the party’s voice in Parliament. “This will strengthen the Congress’ voice in the Rajya Sabha to take on the might of the BJP,” she said.
The Congress has faced a setback in its parliamentary strength after parting ways with the DMK and aligning with Vijay’s party. Leaders believe the Rajya Sabha berth will not only improve the party’s presence in the Upper House but also deepen cooperation between the Congress and TVK ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and future political contests in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.
(Manas Dasgupta)