Chennai, 05 June (H.S.):Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai on Friday announced the launch of a new political movement aimed at reshaping the state's political landscape, hours after the Bharatiya Janata Party formally accepted his resignation from primary membership.
Addressing supporters through a virtual interaction, the former IPS officer said the existing “We The Leader” platform would be transformed into a mass-based political movement that would contest the upcoming local body elections before eventually evolving into a full-fledged political party ahead of the 2031 Assembly elections.
Annamalai said the movement would focus on creating an alternative political culture rooted in ideology, ethics, inclusiveness and public participation. Stressing the need for change in Tamil Nadu's political discourse, he called for a shift away from personality-driven politics and towards issue-based governance.
He clarified that he was not immediately launching a political party but intended to spend the coming years building a strong grassroots organisation capable of sustaining long-term political change. According to him, the movement's immediate priority would be expanding its reach across the state and preparing for local body elections.
Reflecting on his exit from the BJP, Annamalai revealed that he had been seeking to leave the party for nearly 18 months and had formally communicated his decision to the national leadership in December 2025. However, he said the leadership requested him to remain until election-related responsibilities were completed.
Recalling his political journey, Annamalai said his first exposure to electoral politics came through an association with late DMDK founder Vijayakant. He also spoke about the period before joining the BJP, noting that he eventually accepted an invitation from senior BJP leader B.L. Santhosh to enter active politics.
Reiterating a position he had often maintained within the BJP, Annamalai said he had consistently favoured the party contesting elections independently in Tamil Nadu without compromising on issues concerning the state.
Positioning himself as both a regional and national voice, he rejected attempts to create a divide between Tamil and Indian identities, asserting that the two complemented each other.
As part of the initiative, Annamalai announced the formation of the “APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Ethics and Politics”, which will focus on training future political leaders and aspiring public representatives.
He also urged supporters to maintain civility in political discourse and refrain from targeting rivals on social media. Emphasising respect for all political parties, he said his movement would engage with the DMK, AIADMK, TVK, NTK, DMDK and BJP without hostility, adding that politics offered opportunities for change to everyone.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
