More than 13 lakh people join former BJP leader Annamalai’s 'We the Leaders' movement within 24 hours of its launch

CHENNAI: ‘We the Leaders’ movement, launched by the former BJP Tamil Nadu state president K Annamalai on Friday after resigning from the party, has garnered more than 13 lakh members within just 24 hours of its rollout. Taking to the social media platform X, the former IPS officer-turned-politician expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming public response to his digital platform.

“…the tremendous support you have extended to the wetheleader.org movement has brought me immense pride and, even more than that, a profound sense of responsibility. To each and every one of you who has placed your trust in this movement and joined: my heartfelt thanks,” he said in the post.


He emphasised that the massive surge in registrations reflects a widespread public yearning for an alternative political paradigm in Tamil Nadu. He explicitly framed the launch not as an individual political ambition, but as a decentralised collective movement.

“This is not the journey of a single individual; it is the collective journey of our people who yearn for positive change. The voice of every citizen who believes in the need for change echoes in the tremendous support you have provided. Honouring your trust, let us carry this journey forward with integrity and dedication,” he said in the post.

Political analysts note that the movement could potentially alter the results of the upcoming local body elections and reshape the broader anti-DMK opposition layout in Tamil Nadu. By intentionally creating an independent, idea-driven regional platform, Annamalai aims at building a distinct political force unconstrained by the narratives of the national parties.