CHENNAI: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Friday officially announced his resignation from the party, stating during a live broadcast that he has left the BJP and is embarking on a new path from today. Annamalai announced the launch of a new political movement, “We The Leaders” (Annamalai Makkal Iyakkam), which he said would eventually be transformed into a full-fledged political party after training and building a strong cadre base. He stated that the proposed party would contest the next Assembly elections in the state.
Positioning the movement as one rooted in Tamil identity with a national outlook, Annamalai said, “When India becomes a developed country, Tamil Nadu has to be on the top. We have to change the political language and grammar for it.” He also asked those interested in supporting the movement to register on the official website, wetheleaders.org, and announced the establishment of the APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Ethics and Politics, which will train aspiring leaders for public life and electoral politics.
While he did not spell out his immediate plans for the next Lok Sabha elections, he said those trained through the newly established centre would be fielded in the local body elections. Explaining the core ideology of the movement, Annamalai said that politics in Tamil Nadu had created an unnecessary conflict between Tamil and Indian identities and asserted that the two could comfortably coexist. During his live address, he described himself as a “proud Tamil with an Indian identity,” noting that he takes immense pride in his Tamil roots.
Annamalai’s resignation was formally accepted by BJP national leader Nitin Nabin. Reflecting on his political journey, Annamalai mentioned that he had originally entered the BJP with the blessings of superstar Rajinikanth. He added that he joined the party after considering assurances from senior leader B L Santhosh. Criticising personality cults and dynastic politics, he stated that leadership positions should not become permanent and strongly advocated for term limits for elected representatives. He asserted that he no longer believes in a party that centers around a single individual and stressed that the country needs a party of the common man.
“APJ Abdul Kalam is very important to us. His ideology is important to us. He was a proud Tamil with a national identity,” Annamalai said, explaining why the leadership training centre has been named after the former President. He concluded by saying that he firmly believes in an inclusive movement that accommodates everyone without any discrimination, and that is precisely what he is building.
ലഘു വിവരണം
ബിജെപി തമിഴ്നാട് മുൻ അധ്യക്ഷൻ കെ. അണ്ണാമലൈ പാർട്ടി വിട്ട് ‘വി ദ ലീഡേഴ്സ്’ (അണ്ണാമലൈ മക്കൾ ഇയക്കം) എന്ന പേരിൽ പുതിയ രാഷ്ട്രീയ മുന്നേറ്റം പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ചു. വ്യക്തിപൂജയെയും കുടുംബ രാഷ്ട്രീയത്തെയും രൂക്ഷമായി വിമർശിച്ച അദ്ദേഹം, വരാനിരിക്കുന്ന നിയമസഭാ തെരഞ്ഞെടുപ്പിൽ പുതിയ പാർട്ടി മത്സരിക്കുമെന്ന് വ്യക്തമാക്കി. തമിഴ് സ്വത്വത്തിൽ ഊന്നിയുള്ള ദേശീയ കാഴ്ചപ്പാടാണ് തന്റെ പ്രസ്ഥാനത്തിനുള്ളതെന്ന് പറഞ്ഞ അണ്ണാമലൈ, പുതിയ നേതാക്കളെ വാർത്തെടുക്കാൻ എ പി ജെ അബ്ദുൾ കലാമിന്റെ പേരിൽ ഒരു രാഷ്ട്രീയ പഠന കേന്ദ്രം ആരംഭിക്കുമെന്നും പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ചു. അണ്ണാമലൈയുടെ രാജി ബിജെപി നേതൃത്വം അംഗീകരിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്.
(With inputs from TN)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com