‘We the Leaders’: After breaking with BJP, Annamalai launches own party in Tamil Nadu

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Friday formally ended his association with the Bharatiya Janata Party and announced the launch of a new political outfit, ‘We the Leaders’, signalling his intention to enter the next phase of Tamil Nadu politics on his own terms.

The move marks a significant political development in the state, where Annamalai had emerged as one of the BJP’s most recognisable faces over the past few years. His departure comes months after he publicly differed with the party’s strategy in Tamil Nadu, particularly over its alliance with the AIADMK, and follows sustained speculation about his political future.

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In a video message, Annamalai said his decision was driven by the same purpose that brought him into public life. He said he had joined politics with the aim of bringing positive change to Tamil Nadu and improving the lives of its people, but had now chosen a different path to pursue that mission.

The former IPS officer claimed he had informed the BJP leadership about his intention to leave as early as December 2025. According to him, senior leaders had asked him to stay on until the Tamil Nadu elections before taking a final call.

While expressing respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Annamalai acknowledged that he had disagreements with the BJP on several issues over the last 18 months. He also reiterated his long-held position that the BJP should have contested the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections independently.

Announcing the formation of ‘We the Leaders’, Annamalai said both he and his party would contest the upcoming elections in the state. Describing his political journey as a “solo battle”, he said he was attempting to create a new political space rooted in Tamil Nadu’s aspirations and identity.

Why did Annamalai leave the BJP?

Annamalai said he did not want to become a burden or point of friction within the BJP and therefore decided to move on. He argued that national parties often struggle to fully understand the sentiments and expectations of people in Tamil Nadu and stressed the need for politics that remains closely connected to public concerns.

The former BJP leader said he wanted to walk alongside ordinary citizens and focus on governance and public welfare rather than personality-driven politics.

New party takes aim at dynasty politics

Launching a sharp attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Annamalai said politics should not revolve around a single family and asserted that there was “no place for cult and dynasty politics”.

He said his objective was to build a people-centric political alternative in the state. Annamalai also claimed that several prominent personalities, including superstar Rajinikanth, had encouraged him to join hands with them politically, but he chose instead to pursue an independent path.

BJP accepts resignation

Annamalai’s resignation was accepted on Friday by BJP national president Nitin Nabin, bringing an official end to his membership in the party.

His announcement comes after weeks of speculation over his next political move. Earlier this year, he stepped down from party positions following the BJP’s decision to pursue a pre-poll alliance with the AIADMK. Despite relinquishing organisational responsibilities, he remained active in election campaigning.

A former Karnataka cadre IPS officer, Annamalai resigned from the Indian Police Service in 2019 before entering politics. After joining the BJP in 2020, the former IPS officer was appointed state president within a year and went on to become the party’s most recognisable face in the state.