Ahead of Amit Shah’s Chennai Visit, BJP Tamil Nadu Announces Leadership Polls with 10-Year Membership Rule

Just hours before Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s arrival in Chennai on Thursday night, the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit declared that elections for the state party president would be held.

The party also introduced a requirement that only members with at least ten years of primary membership could contest.

Rule Puts Annamalai Out of Contention

This new stipulation effectively disqualifies the current state president K Annamalai, who joined the BJP in 2020 and was made state chief in 2021, just 11 months into his party membership.

Despite the rule, a senior BJP leader clarified that while it has always existed, the central leadership may choose to implement it selectively.

Annamalai previously stated he is not seeking another term, a claim that has only intensified speculation surrounding his future.

Amit Shah’s Visit and AIADMK Alliance Talks

Shah’s visit marks his first trip to Tamil Nadu since talks of a renewed BJP-AIADMK alliance began last month.

On March 26, AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) met Shah in Delhi, triggering speculation about a potential electoral alliance ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.

During his Chennai visit on April 11, Shah was scheduled to meet senior party leaders, address the press, and hold a discussion with RSS ideologue and Thuglaq editor S Gurumurthy.

Annamalai met Gurumurthy the previous evening, raising further questions about internal developments.

Internal Opposition to Annamalai Continues

Annamalai’s leadership has drawn criticism, especially from the AIADMK, which blamed him for comments against Dravidian party founders before exiting the NDA in 2023.

Shah, after meeting EPS, stated on X that alliance talks had begun, but EPS denied this and said discussions would happen closer to the elections.

Amidst the leadership debate, former AIADMK minister and BJP floor leader Nainar Nagendran, who joined the BJP in 2017, has emerged as a top contender. However, he too falls short of the 10-year membership requirement.

Shah Targets DMK; DMK Hits Back

On Thursday, Shah criticized the ruling DMK on X, alleging widespread corruption and accusing it of using the delimitation issue as a distraction.

In response, DMK’s RS Bharathi said the BJP was using federal agencies and corruption allegations to target political opposition. Bharathi recalled that Shah had made similar accusations in 2018 during the AIADMK regime.

Election Rules Stir Controversy

The BJP released details for the state election process, stating that aspiring candidates must fill out Form F and must have served as basic members for at least ten years, endorsed by ten state General Council members. This disqualifies both Annamalai and Nagendran under standard rules.

Despite this, sources suggest an exception might be made for Nagendran, given his political background and perceived ability to negotiate with the AIADMK for strategic alliances.

BJP’s central leadership is reportedly considering appointing him, while possibly offering Annamalai a Union government post.

BJP Faces Delicate Balancing Act

Nagendran has held key ministerial roles in Tamil Nadu between 2001 and 2006 as part of the AIADMK and joined the BJP in 2019 after losing the 2016 elections.

He won the 2021 Assembly election from Tirunelveli and is considered a strategic bridge to the AIADMK by BJP leaders.

Political sources claim that the AIADMK would be open to an alliance if Nagendran is appointed state president. However, Annamalai’s resistance to such a pact complicates matters for the BJP.

According to party insiders, Shah has been urged to accommodate Annamalai in a significant role to avoid internal fallout.

Gurumurthy May Influence Shah’s Final Call

Gurumurthy, a vocal supporter of Annamalai, is expected to lobby Shah to allow Annamalai to continue.

Sources claim Annamalai presented the BJP leadership with data showing constituencies where the party had performed better than the AIADMK, arguing for an independent path.

The leadership dilemma now hinges on whether Shah sides with Gurumurthy and Annamalai, possibly risking the AIADMK alliance, or if the party proceeds with Nagendran, smoothing ties with the AIADMK.

Official Announcement Expected Soon

An official decision regarding the new Tamil Nadu BJP president is expected by April 13, with a major event already being planned at a venue in Chennai’s Arumbakkam.

As internal talks continue and pressure mounts from both factions, the BJP finds itself at a crucial crossroads in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.