What is “We Leaders”? Annamalai starts ‘political movement’ after quitting BJP, says ‘Our politics is not for….’ | Today’s news

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai, who resigned from the party on Friday, announced the start of a new political journey focused on what he described as “common man’s politics”. His “We the Leaders” platform states that he believes in a governance model that is “based on conscious leadership, community engagement and data-driven decision-making.”

He said the initiative would move away from personality-oriented politics while rejecting sycophancy and dynastic influence. Highlighting the rationale behind the new movement, Annamalai said it would not be driven by an individual leader but by an idea and a larger political vision.

“Our politics is not for opposition. How we look at DMK, AIADMK, NTK, Seeman (NTK founder), Anbumani (PMK leader), GK Vasan (TMC Moopanar), AC Shanmugam, Paarivendhar, John Pandian, Krishnasamy, Vaiko, Premalatha madam, exactly how Jana will look at B. Tamil party, I. to PTI.

What is “We Leaders”?

“We Leaders” also cited their “constituency conscious approach” with key pillars such as supporting change agents, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), community engagement, conscious leadership and community innovation.

Read also | Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai has resigned from the party

According to the website, the initiative has impacted more than 50,000 lives in underserved communities through its focus on education, skills development and leadership programs. Its efforts have been supported by more than 664,755 volunteers who have contributed their time, expertise and commitment to driving local change, the company noted.

In addition, more than 2,000 students and individuals have been given training and upskilling opportunities through specialized coaching, mentoring and capacity building workshops, according to the website. It claimed that the movement has also nurtured more than 50 local leaders who have dedicated their talents and efforts to strengthening and empowering their communities.

From “cult politics” to “ordinary people” politics.

Meanwhile, in a speech on social media, former IPS officer K. Annamalai outlined his political vision saying, “Let’s change ourselves and change will happen naturally… the basic principle of the movement is let’s change, bring change (maruvom, maatruvom).”

The 42-year-old leader said he wanted to move away from what he described as “cult politics” and instead push for a model of “common man” politics aimed at addressing the concerns and aspirations of ordinary people.

Read also | To Annamalai: The Rise and Fall of the Tamil Nadu ‘Singam’ BJP

At the same time, Annamalai emphasized that his movement does not aim to challenge existing political parties. “We are not here to compete with anyone. Let the ruling party and the opposition parties exist. They can express their policies and we will express them in time,” he said in the speech.

Annamalai said that in keeping with Tamil cultural values, he believes in informing the organization before leaving it and doing so respectfully. He described his departure from the BJP as in keeping with this tradition, noting, “Even when we are leaving, it is our virtue to say it respectfully and leave.”

He said his decision was taken amicably after direct discussions with senior BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah. According to Annamalai, he informed the party leadership of his intention to resign about 18 months ago, namely on December 4, 2024, citing differences at the state level.

Read also | Annamalai meets Amit Shah in Delhi: Has he left BJP? What we know so far

The former Tamil Nadu BJP chief added that he had postponed the announcement to fulfill his duties related to the Assembly elections by the end of May.

“It was a big conflict whether I am a BJP or a Tamilian. I told the party on December 4, 2024 that I will resign. The party asked me to complete the election and then go,” he said.

After consulting senior leaders, he came to the conclusion that his views and those of the party did not match on issues relating to Tamil Nadu, he claimed.