The BJP is set to announce a new president for its Tamil Nadu unit next week, amid talks with AIADMK for a possible electoral alliance for the 2026 assembly poll.

CHENNAI: The BJP high command is expected to announce a president for its Tamil Nadu unit next week amid parleys with AIADMK for a possible electoral alliance for the 2026 assembly poll.
As supporters of incumbent K Annamalai anxiously await news of a second term for him, BJP floor leader in the state assembly Nainar Nagenthran and Union minister of state L Murugan are in the list of probables, multiple sources told TOI.
The BJP’s decision is expected any time between April 8 and 10 after the Parliament session ends. Annamalai, in an interaction with reporters recently, expressed willingness “to serve even as a cadre”.
Murugan’s return as state chief is possible too, say sections within the party. Vanathi Srinivasan is on the list of probables from south India for the post of national president, while former Telangana governor and former TN BJP chief Tamilisai Soundararajan said (as per party rules) it is possible for former state presidents to return as party chief.
Beyond TN, other southern states, excluding Kerala, are awaiting new BJP chiefs.
“The announcement of BJP state chief will be mostly after the Parliament session concludes this week. It is anticipated between April 8 and 10,” said a senior BJP leader.
Annamalai recently met BJP national leaders to provide “accurate feedback”, so the party makes the right decision. This followed AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami’s meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah.
This has fuelled speculation about the alliance and impending leadership change in the TN BJP unit.
“Regarding alliance, you will see it yourself. You will also see how TN BJP president would be,” Annamalai told reporters in Coimbatore on Sunday.
The AIADMK’s increasing closeness to the BJP seems to be a factor in the timing of the decision on the new state chief.
While Annamalai’s supporters credit him with the party’s recent growth and development, some party functionaries are critical of his leadership style.
There were accusations that he focussed excessively on the party’s IT wing, that he targeted colleagues, promoted himself and hindered reconciliation with AIADMK.
The high command is expected to offer Annamalai “a respectable position” if he is replaced.