K Annamalai to hold press meet on June 5, likely to outline future political plans

CHENNAI: BJP Tamil Nadu unit former president K Annamalai is set to hold a press meet on June 5, where he is expected to speak about his future political plans, according to sources.Earlier on Tuesday, Annamalai met BJP national president Nitin Nabin and the party’s national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh in New Delhi and submitted his resignation letter.During the meeting, Annamalai also handed over a five-page note detailing the BJP’s performance in the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.The meetings come amid intense speculation over Annamalai’s political future.Annamalai is reportedly planning to launch a new regional political party with what associates describe as a “secular” and “Tamil-first” outlook.According to sources, the proposed outfit could be launched within six to eight months and would seek to position itself as an alternative to both the BJP and the Dravidian majors in Tamil Nadu.Those close to Annamalai said he envisions a political platform that combines Tamil identity with a national outlook, while remaining issue-based in its opposition to rival parties.The development follows months of differences between Annamalai and the BJP’s central leadership over the party’s political strategy in Tamil Nadu. Sources said Annamalai was unhappy with the BJP’s decision to revive its alliance with the AIADMK and with aspects of candidate selection ahead of the recent assembly elections.