'End cult and dynastic politics': K Annamalai announces new 'political movement' after resigning

CHENNAI: After resigning from the BJP, K Annamalai has announced the launch of a new political movement and said he will contest future Assembly elections.

Annamalai said there was “a great conflict whether I am a India person or a Tamilian” and revealed that he had informed the party of his decision earlier. “I told the party on 4 December 2025 that I am going to resign. The party asked me to finish the elections and then leave,” he said.

He added that he joined the BJP “for a positive change” and said the time had come to build a new political platform.

“We will encourage all segments of society to participate in the political movement. Furthermore, more technocrats will be encouraged to join the party,” he said.

Also read: Annamalai parts ways with BJP: What may have led to exit of its most prominent Tamil Nadu leader

He stressed the need for systemic political reform, saying, “We should use all available talent for the development of the state. To achieve that, we have to change our political grammar and culture. We should end the ‘cult politics’ and dynastic politics.”

“There is no permanent MLA, MP or minister. This includes myself. This is going to be our goal and motto of our political movement,” he said.

He added, “There is a need for another political party.”

Annamalai clarified that the movement is named “We the Leader”, and said the APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Ethics and Politics will function as a facility within the movement, based in Coimbatore.

He also claimed that over 47,000 people joined the movement shortly after his call.

BJP president Nitin Nabin has accepted Annamalai’s resignation from the primary membership of the party.