Last Updated:
Ex-Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai officially separated from the BJP on June 5 and soon after revealed his intention to start a new political movement “We The Leader”.
Annamalai said he would contest polls in the future. (ANI file photo)
Days after his resignation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was accepted, former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai launched a new political movement based on what he described as the “Kalam School of Ideology”. The movement has received a strong response, with membership crossing 15 lakh within hours of its launch.
Annamalai officially separated from the BJP on June 5 and soon after revealed his intention to start a new political movement.
In his first public address after his resignation was accepted, Annamalai said the movement, called “We The Leader”, would function under the APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Ethics and Politics. The newly formed party’s membership rose to 15,79,935 by Sunday afternoon.
The centre will be established in Coimbatore as a training and research institution. Scientist and former President APJ Abdul Kalam was described by Annamalai as a symbol of excellence, dedication, sacrifice, unity and nationalism. By placing Kalam, a proud Tamilian and nationalist, at the centre of the initiative, Annamalai has introduced a new political narrative in Tamil Nadu.
Annamalai’s resignation
The former Indian Police Service officer formally resigned from the BJP on Friday. His resignation was later accepted by party chief Nitin Nabin.
In his resignation letter, Annamalai referred to several discussions with the BJP’s top leadership and said differences had emerged over the party’s direction in Tamil Nadu.
“At this point, I would recall the multiple conversations with the top leadership and the disagreements I have expressed over the last 18 months. 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,” he wrote. He added that after discussions with senior leaders, he concluded that their views on Tamil Nadu no longer aligned.
Annamalai joined the BJP in 2020 after leaving the civil services. Within weeks he was appointed state vice-president and a year later became the party’s Tamil Nadu chief at the age of 37.
Calling the initiative the next phase of his political journey, Annamalai urged young people and ordinary citizens to participate.
“A common man entering politics is a big thing,” he said.
He spoke about creating a people-centric political culture and ending what he called the system of “permanent MLAs and MPs”.
“We want to take politics to the people,” he said.
Annamalai described the movement as “common people’s politics with ideological clarity” and called on young people to help end cult politics and dynastic politics.
“We are building the politics of change, laying the foundation for future generations,” he said.
He added that building the movement would require patience and composure and would be carried out step by step.
Membership grows rapidly
The movement’s website, titled “We The Leaders”, showed 13,85,763 active members at the time of writing.
The website describes volunteers as the backbone of the movement and invites people to contribute in areas such as education, health, environment and youth leadership.
It encourages supporters to begin with local initiatives and work towards bringing change at the grassroots level.
Eyes on Lok Sabha polls
Annamalai confirmed that the movement would contest the next Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu.
He said the platform would also work to prepare a new generation of political leaders and promote politics driven by ordinary citizens rather than traditional political structures.
“I joined the party six years ago, seeking to bring positive change to Tamil Nadu and improve how politics is conducted in the state,” he said.
“I wanted to change the notion that politics is a path only for the elite and a select few, not for the common man.”
“Please join me, trust me, believe me,” he added.
About the Author
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen…Read More
Chennai [Madras], India, India
Read More
