Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai has met with top party officials, including party chief Nithin Nabin and national general secretary B L Santosh, amid reports that he plans to leave the BJP to launch a new political movement named ‘Makkal Sakthi Iyakkam’, inspired by Dravidian ideology and aiming to rival the DMK, and potentially aligning with actor Vijay's nascent political aspirations. While unconfirmed reports suggest Annamalai informed the central leadership of his intention for a "mutually acceptable exit" and sought a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to express dissatisfaction, the national leadership is reportedly displeased with his "arbitrary course," and an official resignation has not been confirmed. Annamalai's recent actions, such as driving without a BJP flag and his cryptic remarks to reporters about an upcoming detailed discussion, further fuel speculation about his imminent departure and the launch of his new outfit, which local media suggests will eschew Sangh ideology for a Dravidian foundation and is slated for June 4th, his birthday.

Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai has met with top party officials, including party chief Nithin Nabin and national general secretary B L Santosh, amid reports that he plans to leave the BJP to launch a new political movement named ‘Makkal Sakthi Iyakkam’, inspired by Dravidian ideology and aiming to rival the DMK, and potentially aligning with actor Vijay's nascent political aspirations. While unconfirmed reports suggest Annamalai informed the central leadership of his intention for a "mutually acceptable exit" and sought a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to express dissatisfaction, the national leadership is reportedly displeased with his "arbitrary course," and an official resignation has not been confirmed. Annamalai's recent actions, such as driving without a BJP flag and his cryptic remarks to reporters about an upcoming detailed discussion, further fuel speculation about his imminent departure and the launch of his new outfit, which local media suggests will eschew Sangh ideology for a Dravidian foundation and is slated for June 4th, his birthday.

Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai has met with top party officials, including party chief Nithin Nabin and national general secretary B L Santosh, amid reports that he plans to leave the BJP to launch a new political movement named ‘Makkal Sakthi Iyakkam’, inspired by Dravidian ideology and aiming to rival the DMK, and potentially aligning with actor Vijay's nascent political aspirations. While unconfirmed reports suggest Annamalai informed the central leadership of his intention for a "mutually acceptable exit" and sought a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to express dissatisfaction, the national leadership is reportedly displeased with his "arbitrary course," and an official resignation has not been confirmed. Annamalai's recent actions, such as driving without a BJP flag and his cryptic remarks to reporters about an upcoming detailed discussion, further fuel speculation about his imminent departure and the launch of his new outfit, which local media suggests will eschew Sangh ideology for a Dravidian foundation and is slated for June 4th, his birthday.

Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai, who is reportedly gearing up to float a new political  movement, met BJP party chief Nithin Nabin and national general secretary B L Santosh  on Tuesday. According to unconfirmed reports, the former BJP chief of Tamil Nadu informed the BJP  central leadership of his plans to leave the party and sought a  “mutually acceptable exit”. However, it is not clear whether he formally submitted his resignation.  

Annamalai is also said to have sought time for a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who takes key decisions in the BJP, to register his dissatisfaction. But, he is yet to receive any positive response so far, and this could be due to the national leadership’s deep dissatisfaction with Annamalai's arbitrary course.

Annamalai, who was removed from the post of Tamil Nadu chief in April 2025 after the BJP decided to join hands with AIADMK, is said to be launching a new outfit named ‘Makkal Sakthi Iyakkam’. Though reports claim the former IPS officer plans to launch his outfit on June 4, his birthday, Annamalai has yet to confirm them.

However, he was seen driving to the airport in a vehicle without the usual BJP flag on Monday. When asked about this, Annalamalai told reporters, “Please wait. We will sit down and discuss it in detail in two days." His reaction confirms that he is indeed moving forward with his outfit, according to reports.

Dravidian ideology

Local media reports hint that Annamalai’s new party will be rooted in Dravidian ideology and will have nothing in common with Sangh ideology. He is said to have been inspired by how Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and aims to place his outfit as an alternative to DMK, which too is rooted in Dravidian ideology.

Many also wonder whether he would join hands with the TVK, considering he had a very favourable approach to Vijay. “Vijay has become a source of hope for the youth. He has created a path for the youth to enter politics. Educated youth who may be abroad have supported the Tamil Nadu Victory Party. All doors will open from here. In the next two years, we will show the people the nature of our strength.” 

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