CHENNAI: Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai received a grand welcome at Chennai airport on Friday, after announcing his resignation from the BJP. Hundreds of supporters gathered to greet him and express support for his newly launched political movement, 'We The Leader'. Several supporters were seen heading to the airport to receive Annamalai, while he later met at least 15 others who had also resigned from the party following his exit.Annamalai's resignation from the BJP has formally ended days of speculation over his political future. He launched a new political movement aimed at promoting an alternative political culture and ending what he described as "cult and dynastic" politics in the state. The development comes a month after the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, in which actor-turned-politician Vijay emerged as a major force, outperforming established Dravidian parties such as the DMK and AIADMK. Although the BJP remains a marginal player in Tamil Nadu politics and secured only one seat in the recent elections, Annamalai had become one of the party's most prominent leaders in the state. In his resignation letter dated June 2 and addressed to BJP chief Nitin Nabin, Annamalai wrote, "I do not want to burden the top leadership any further with my ongoing thoughts on the way forward for a growth-oriented and culturally rooted politics in Tamil Nadu."The former IPS officer, said he joined the BJP six years ago with the goal of bringing "positive change" to Tamil Nadu, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Annamalai said he wanted to "change the notion of politics" and argued that people in Tamil Nadu had been seeking an alternative to the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK. He said the "people of the state were fatigued by the general political discourse for many decades and yearned for change." According to him, several political alternatives had emerged over the past decade but "could not hold their ground and quickly faded from people's memories." He also put up his concern: "National parties never spoke the language that people in Tamil Nadu understand." The remark appeared to reflect his view that national parties often struggle to connect with local aspirations and regional political realities. Annamalai further said, "I firmly believe that a strong and united India is built upon the strength, dignity and aspirations of its many regions and communities." His departure marks a significant moment for both Tamil Nadu politics and the BJP's future in the state. However, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran downplayed concerns over the impact of Annamalai's exit, stating that his resignation was "not a loss" for the party.