Chennai , 05 June (H.S.): Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai is expected to make an important announcement on Friday, amid mounting speculation about his future in the party and reports that he could be preparing to launch a new political outfit.

Annamalai, who has been at the centre of intense political discussions in recent weeks following his differences with sections of the BJP leadership, announced that he would interact with the public through social media at noon on Friday. The announcement came shortly after his meetings with the BJP’s national leadership in New Delhi.

Taking to social media platform X, Annamalai said he was looking forward to sharing his thoughts and engaging in an open conversation with the public. “I eagerly look forward to sharing my thoughts and speaking from my heart on Friday at 12 noon,” he wrote, sparking fresh speculation about a possible political move.

Political circles in Tamil Nadu have been abuzz with rumours that Annamalai could quit the BJP and float a new political party. The speculation gained momentum after reports emerged that he was unhappy with developments within the state unit and his diminishing role in the party following the recent Assembly election.

In an effort to address the growing uncertainty, senior BJP leaders, including national president Nitin Nabin and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, reportedly held discussions with Annamalai during his visit to the national capital. The meetings were widely seen as an attempt by the party leadership to persuade him to remain within the BJP fold and avoid any drastic political decision.

However, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran dismissed reports suggesting that Annamalai was on the verge of leaving the party. He asserted that Annamalai had neither resigned from the BJP nor discussed the formation of a new political party with any of the party’s leaders.

Nagendran described the reports as baseless rumours and urged party workers and supporters not to pay heed to speculation. He reiterated that Annamalai continued to be an important leader within the BJP and that there had been no official indication of any split or resignation.

With expectations running high, political observers across Tamil Nadu will closely watch Annamalai’s noon interaction on Friday, which could provide clarity on his future course and potentially reshape the state's political landscape.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman