As soon as K Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), returned from the United Kingdom after completing the three-month Chevening Gurukul Fellowship for Leadership and Excellence at Oxford University, the political scene in the state was set ablaze. Upon his return, Annamalai wasted no time in delivering a series of sharp jabs at DMK scion and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Upon his arrival from London, while addressing the press at Chennai airport, Annamalai stated that the 2026 Assembly elections would be a “crucial and historic” event, with numerous parties vying for influence. He highlighted the participation of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK, Seeman’s NTK, the BJP, along with the two major Dravidian parties, the DMK.
Later, on 1 December 2024, in Coimbatore, at the conclusion of A3, a two-day conference organized by Voice of Covai, Annamalai pointed out that in the past three months, a successful actor had entered politics, while a “failed actor” had been appointed as Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister. He emphasized the need for political discussions to benefit the public and promote constructive politics.
Annamalai said, “If you’ve noticed over the past three months while I was away studying, ‘a successful actor have come to politics, while a failed actor became the Deputy Chief Minister. If you see today,the question asked by our journalists friends revolves around cinema. The first question asked by our beloved journalists at Chennai and Coimbatore airports was about, How you view his politics? How you view his elevation? But you and I know, if the common man stand to gain a penny from this, the answer would be a definitely ‘no.’ Have they introduced any revolutionary politics for a common man? No. I’m not accusing anyone; I’m not accusing anybody, I’m welcoming actor Vijay’s entry into politics. He should come.”
ஒரு Successful Actor அரசியலுக்கு வந்துட்டாரு.. ஒரு Failed Actor துணை முதலமைச்சரா ஆகிட்டாரு… அண்ணாமலை பேச்சு#Chennai | #BJP | #TVK | #DMK | #DeputyCM | #UdhayanidhiStalin | #ActorVijay | #Annamalai | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/TYvsAR5uhu
— Polimer News (@polimernews) December 1, 2024
He urged that the common man must actively question the system and advocate for a political environment based on accountability, merit, and performance, geared towards social justice. He asserted that the power to transform Tamil Nadu’s politics lies in the hands of the common man. Without this, he warned, even intellectuals in politics could end up subjugated by the current political climate.
Annamalai encouraged the attendees to strive for a country built on knowledge. “You have the power to change Tamil Nadu’s politics,” he asserted, stressing that the public should not just vote but actively question and compel political parties to work toward their progress.
He also highlighted that cities like Coimbatore have untapped potential, mentioning that the city will soon have a model railway station and that the Tamil Nadu BJP is working to introduce a metro rail system as well.
Additionally, Annamalai called on the youth to contribute to the revival of Indian culture and heritage. He noted that since 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had successfully brought back 640 artifacts from foreign countries, compared to just four that were repatriated between 1970 and 2015.
Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.