Annamalai Steps Back from Election Duties, Cites Family Reasons as Tamil Nadu Polls Near

Chennai, Feb 2026 : Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai on Tuesday announced that he was stepping aside from his election-related responsibilities due to pressing family circumstances, at a time when the State is preparing for Assembly elections expected in the coming months. His decision comes amid intensified political activity, with parties and alliances beginning to finalise their campaign strategies.

The development coincides with the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) accelerating its preparations, including seat-level coordination and outreach programmes across Tamil Nadu. Annamalai had earlier been assigned responsibility for coordinating election work in six Assembly constituencies, including key segments such as Singanallur and Virugambakkam, as part of the BJP’s role within the NDA framework.

Explaining his decision, Annamalai said he had chosen to temporarily withdraw from active election duties to focus on his family, particularly to care for his father whose health condition has reportedly deteriorated. He stressed that the move was driven solely by personal reasons and should not be interpreted as having any political implications.

Annamalai also reaffirmed his continued ideological commitment to the BJP and the NDA, making it clear that his association with the alliance remains intact. “This is a personal decision taken under unavoidable circumstances. My support for the party and the alliance is unwavering,” he indicated.

Addressing the media, Annamalai strongly defended the Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that Tamil Nadu had benefited significantly from the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, which were accepted by the Centre. He noted that the allocation of 10 per cent of funds through tax devolution for national development had effectively countered opposition claims that the Centre was neglecting the State.

Launching a sharp attack on the ruling DMK, Annamalai accused its ministers of lacking a true understanding of the ideological legacy of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai. He remarked that DMK leaders merely invoke Annadurai’s name on commemorative occasions without demonstrating any substantive commitment to his principles.

“If DMK ministers are asked to write even ten lines about Anna, none of them would be able to do so. Even today, they simply chant ‘Anna… Anna…’ on his birth and death anniversaries as a ritual,” Annamalai said.

He reiterated that the NDA would contest the upcoming Assembly elections under the leadership of Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who, he asserted, would be the alliance’s chief ministerial candidate. He described the DMK–Congress alliance as fragmented and directionless.

Turning his criticism towards actor Vijay and his newly launched political party, Annamalai said the outfit lacked leadership depth and ideological clarity, adding that speeches aimed only at applause could not provide a sustainable political alternative.

Despite stepping back from active campaign responsibilities, Annamalai’s remarks underscored the BJP’s intent to remain an assertive and vocal partner within the NDA as Tamil Nadu’s political contest gathers momentum.