Chennai: Speculation surrounding the political future of senior BJP leader and former Tamil Nadu BJP president intensified on Monday after reports suggested he may be considering a major political move. Addressing reporters before departing for Delhi, Annamalai neither confirmed nor denied rumours of his resignation from the BJP or the possibility of launching a new political party. Instead, he urged the media and supporters to wait for two days, assuring that he would soon make his position clear regarding the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Political discussions gained momentum after Annamalai publicly opposed the implementation of the three-language policy announced by the CBSE for Class 9 students and demanded that the notification be withdrawn. His stance led to widespread speculation that differences had emerged between him and the party leadership. The former IPS officer, once regarded as the most prominent face of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, has largely remained away from the political spotlight since being replaced by as the state party chief. The BJP’s decision to revive its electoral alliance with the AIADMK ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections also fuelled discussions about his role within the party.

Despite rumours of an impending exit, party insiders maintain that Annamalai is unlikely to leave the BJP and could instead be entrusted with a larger responsibility at the national level. Following the disappointing performance of the NDA in the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where the alliance failed to meet expectations and the BJP secured only one seat, questions have been raised regarding the party’s future strategy in the state. While some of Annamalai’s supporters, particularly in the Coimbatore region, believe he could emerge as an alternative political force by launching a new party, others expect him to continue within the BJP framework and play a more significant role in shaping the party’s future direction.