Former BJP president K. Annamalai is unhappy that the BJP was asked for preferred seats only after the AIADMK finalized constituencies for two other allies, sources say. File | Photo credit: The Hindu
Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has conveyed to the party’s national leadership his “extreme” displeasure over the constituencies allotted to the AIADMK for the April 23 Assembly elections.
It is also learned that he has asked the management not to identify any seat for him as he has decided not to run. However, he would continue to work “as a party karyakarta for all BJP and NDA candidates”.
Sources told The Hindu that Mr. Annamalai was unhappy that the BJP was being asked for preferred seats only after the AIADMK had completed constituencies for two other allies. He told the leadership that the BJP’s election and prospects are “limited” by the condition that it cannot contest seats represented by AIADMK MLAs. The constituencies allotted to the BJP were not where the party was growing or where it was expected to grow, sources quoted Mr. Annamalai as saying in his message. He learned that the BJP, which was offered constituencies like Tiruvannamalai, would only be beneficial to the ruling DMK.
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Similarly, he pointed out that the TMC(M) won three seats represented by ministers and two seats where the AIADMK had not won in the last 20 years. Indiya Jananayaka Katchi and New Justice Party were also given disadvantageous seats, he said. Besides, Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, a party representing Devendra Kula Vellalars, was given Rajapalayam, a general constituency. He reportedly said he would meet the party leadership on May 4 (when the results will be declared) to decide.
When contacted, The Hindu said Mr. Annamalai had conveyed his views to the management. “I will remain loyal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah,” he said without elaborating.
Published – 26 March 2026 23:39 IST
