Former BJP Tamil Nadu chief Annamalai's new political movement called 'We the Leaders' has seen more than 15 lakh volunteers register in the organisation by Saturday evening.
Announcing that his party will contest in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, he said, "We are going to view BJP the same way we view DMK, AIADMK, TTV, Vaiko, and Seeman."
The Tamil Nadu unit of BJP is already wary of losing its supporters as BJP state president Nainar Nagendran on Saturday appealed to party cadres not to leave the saffron outfit. He also said the BJP's central leadership will not recognise any newly formed movements in the state.
While addressing reporters in Chennai, Nagendran said, "My requesst to the BJP cadres -- don't go to any other party or any other movement. Please, be here. BJP is a huge party in the world. We have the number leader in the world, PM Modi."
He also claimed that Annamalai's exit would not have an impact on the BJP's support base in the state. "The BJP is a huge party. So many leaders went out from the party, then joined again," he said.
However, the resignation of BJP state vice-president Karu Nagarajan, state secretary Sumathi Venkatesh and other senior leaders have already put the saffron party in an uncomfortable position.
The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) also downplayed the buzz around Annamalai's new initiative with TVK Health Minister K.G. Arunraj opining that Annamalai is just a re-release of the BJP. "It’s an old film that has been re-released. But people don’t watch every re-release. That’s why he knows what his situation is and how things stand for him. People don’t watch all re-releases," he added.
Annamalai submitted his resignation to BJP national president Nitin Nabin on Friday. "After my conversations with our senior leadership, I have come to the conclusion that our views don’t align regarding Tamil Nadu. A new movement and a new dimension in politics, emerging from our core principles, is about to begin," he announced.
We the Leaders website says volunteers are the lifeblood of the movement. "We are empowering communities, nurturing leadership qualities, and bringing about real change at the grassroots level. Whether it’s education, healthcare, the environment, or youth leadership, explore opportunities in the field that inspires you," read the website.
