Chennai, 1 April (H.S.) : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to announce its new Tamil Nadu unit chief next week, amidst talks of a potential electoral alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for the 2026 assembly polls.

According to political analysts, several candidates are in the running for the top post, including Nainar Nagenthran, BJP floor leader in the Tamil Nadu state assembly; L Murugan, Union Minister of State; and Vanathi Srinivasan, who is also being considered for the post of national president from South India.

The BJP's decision is expected to be announced between April 8 and 10, after the Parliament session concludes. Incumbent K Annamalai has expressed his willingness to serve in any capacity, even as a cadre.

The announcement has sparked speculation about a potential alliance between the BJP and AIADMK, as well as a leadership change in the Tamil Nadu BJP unit. Annamalai recently met with BJP national leaders to provide feedback, while AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

K Annamalai is likely to step down as the Tamil Nadu BJP chief amid talks of a potential alliance with the AIADMK for the 2026 assembly elections. The decision is reportedly driven by caste dynamics, as both Annamalai and AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami belong to the same Gounder community.

The BJP is considering a leadership change to strengthen its alliance with AIADMK. Nainar Nagendran, a popular leader from Tirunelveli and a member of the influential Thevar community, is among the frontrunners to replace Annamalai.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary