Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai has officially announced his departure from the party to launch a new political venture, which will initially function as a movement before evolving into a political party aiming to contest future elections in the state. Annamalai stated his intention to resign as early as December 2025, but was advised by the BJP central leadership to complete the ongoing elections first, a directive he followed out of respect for the party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while emphasizing his unwavering commitment to Tamil Nadu's identity, culture, and water rights. He revealed that he had previously been invited by Rajinikanth to join his movement before Annamalai joined the BJP, but he chose to honor a prior commitment to the BJP, thereby putting an end to speculations about his political future and his upcoming independent initiative focused on grooming new leaders and cadres with a fresh perspective.

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai has officially announced his departure from the party to launch a new political venture, which will initially function as a movement before evolving into a political party aiming to contest future elections in the state. Annamalai stated his intention to resign as early as December 2025, but was advised by the BJP central leadership to complete the ongoing elections first, a directive he followed out of respect for the party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while emphasizing his unwavering commitment to Tamil Nadu's identity, culture, and water rights. He revealed that he had previously been invited by Rajinikanth to join his movement before Annamalai joined the BJP, but he chose to honor a prior commitment to the BJP, thereby putting an end to speculations about his political future and his upcoming independent initiative focused on grooming new leaders and cadres with a fresh perspective.

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai has officially announced his departure from the party to launch a new political venture, which will initially function as a movement before evolving into a political party aiming to contest future elections in the state. Annamalai stated his intention to resign as early as December 2025, but was advised by the BJP central leadership to complete the ongoing elections first, a directive he followed out of respect for the party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while emphasizing his unwavering commitment to Tamil Nadu's identity, culture, and water rights. He revealed that he had previously been invited by Rajinikanth to join his movement before Annamalai joined the BJP, but he chose to honor a prior commitment to the BJP, thereby putting an end to speculations about his political future and his upcoming independent initiative focused on grooming new leaders and cadres with a fresh perspective.

Capping speculations, former Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai confirmed his exit from the BJP on Friday, adding that he will launch a new political venture which will face the next elections in the state. The former IPS official took to social media to speak about his next venture, which he says will initially be a movement before it is turned into a political party.

"First, I will bring everyone in as a movement, then I will teach them politics and turn it into a party,” Annamalai said, adding that it was important to “groom leaders, cadres for a new party”.

“It will take time,' says K Annamalai in a social media address. “Our movement must be, from the foundation, have a new dimension and perspective. I will bring the best minds into politics. It will take some time. My goal is to lead a movement with uncompromising principles," he said.

Annamalai added that anyone can join his movement and also released a website link for the same.

On his exit from the party, the former BJP leader said he had informed the BJP central leadership about his intention to quit as early as December 2025. "I was conflicted on whether I was a BJP person or a Tamilian. I told the party on December 4, 2025, that I am going to resign. The party asked me to finish the elections and then go," he said, adding that as a true worker, he complied with the directive.

The leader said he never compromised on any right, including Tamil Nadu’s identity, culture and water rights, but had great respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I discussed differences calmly with leadership for 18 months,” says Annamalai.

He said he was invited by Rajinikanth to join his party. “Rajinikanth congratulated me when I joined the BJP. A day before joining the BJP, he asked me to join his movement. But I refused and joined the BJP,” he said, explaining his reasons.

“At that time, there were only three things in front of my eyes: what is good for Tamil Nadu, what was good for Rajinikanth, and what was good for Annamalai. I had promised B.L. Santosh that I would join the BJP. So I felt that I should not break it. So I told Rajinikanth to forgive me. I joined the BJP the next day. Rajinikanth accepted my apologies with great generosity. I am saying this only to put an end to speculations,” he said.