Following the acceptance of his resignation, Annamalai addressed his supporters and unveiled plans for a new political movement that he said would eventually evolve into a political party.
Speaking about his decision, he revealed that he had informed the BJP leadership of his intention to resign as early as 4 December 2025.
“I told the party on 4 December 2025 that I am going to resign. The party asked me to finish the elections and then go,” he said.
Annamalai described his departure as the result of a deeper ideological reflection and said he wanted to create a platform capable of bringing systemic change to Tamil Nadu politics.
“It was a great conflict whether I am an Indian person or a Tamilian,” he said, while explaining his political journey and future plans.
He announced that the new initiative would be called the APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Ethics and Politics, with its headquarters in Coimbatore. The movement, he said, would focus on leadership development, ethical politics, and the participation of professionals and technocrats in public life.
“We will encourage all segments of society to participate in the political movement. Furthermore, more technocrats will be encouraged to join the party,” he said.
Annamalai said the movement would seek to transform the state’s political culture by moving away from personality-driven politics and hereditary leadership structures.
“We should use all available talent for the development of the state. To achieve that, we have to change our political grammar and culture. We should end the cult politics and dynastic politics,” he said.
He added that no individual should become indispensable in public life and that the organisation would be built to outlast its leaders.
“There is no permanent MLA, MP or minister. This includes myself. This is going to be our goal and motto of our political movement,” he said.
Declaring that “there is a need for another political party” in Tamil Nadu, Annamalai confirmed that the movement would contest the next Assembly election in the state.
He also launched the website wetheleader.org, inviting citizens to join the initiative. According to Annamalai, the organisation will identify, train and prepare individuals to contest elections at every level, from panchayats and local bodies to the Assembly and Parliament.
He acknowledged that building a viable political alternative would take time and urged supporters to remain patient as the movement gradually expands its organisational strength across Tamil Nadu.
Annamalai also appealed to his supporters to engage responsibly on social media and avoid inflammatory messaging. He apologised for any instances in which overenthusiastic supporters may have hurt the sentiments of others.
With the launch of the APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Ethics and Politics, Annamalai has set the stage for what could become a new political force in Tamil Nadu, ending his association with the BJP while positioning himself for an independent political future.
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