Putting an end to speculation over his political future, K. Annamalai has launched a new political movement, ‘We The Leaders’, following his exit from the BJP. Announcing plans for an Abdul Kalam Centre for Ethics in Politics in Coimbatore, Annamalai said the initiative aims to promote principled, merit-based politics while challenging cult and dynastic politics.
Coimbatore: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has announced a new political movement named “We The Leaders”, shortly after his resignation from the BJP was formally accepted by the party leadership.
The movement has already begun enrolling members and has reportedly attracted more than one lakh registrations. Annamalai said the initiative would initially function as a people's movement before eventually evolving into a full-fledged political party that would contest elections in Tamil Nadu.
Outlining his vision, Annamalai said the organisation aims to create a new political culture focused on principles, ethics, and public participation. He added that the movement would field candidates in local body elections and gradually expand its electoral presence across the state.
As part of the initiative, Annamalai announced plans to establish the Abdul Kalam Centre for Ethics in Politics in Coimbatore, which he said would promote value-based political engagement and leadership development.
The former BJP leader said his long-term goal is to bring accomplished professionals, experts, and talented individuals into public life. He expressed confidence that the movement would emerge as a platform capable of reshaping political discourse in Tamil Nadu.
"My aspiration is to change the political language and grammar of Tamil Nadu," Annamalai said, adding that he wants to build a movement that remains committed to its principles without compromise.
Explaining his exit from the BJP, Annamalai revealed that he had differences of opinion with the party leadership for nearly 18 months. According to him, he had informed the party about his decision to resign as early as December last year but stayed on to complete responsibilities assigned during the election period.
Despite parting ways with the party, Annamalai said he continues to hold Prime Minister Narendra Modi in high regard and indicated that his new organisation would engage with the BJP as it would with any other political party.
Positioning the movement as an alternative to personality-centric politics, Annamalai said his objective is to move away from cult politics and create a political culture centred on ordinary citizens and wider public participation.
Before formally launching the movement, Annamalai said he met veteran communist leader R Nallakannu and sought his blessings for the new political journey.
The movement has already begun enrolling members and has reportedly attracted more than one lakh registrations. Annamalai said the initiative would initially function as a people's movement before eventually evolving into a full-fledged political party that would contest elections in Tamil Nadu.
Outlining his vision, Annamalai said the organisation aims to create a new political culture focused on principles, ethics, and public participation. He added that the movement would field candidates in local body elections and gradually expand its electoral presence across the state.
As part of the initiative, Annamalai announced plans to establish the Abdul Kalam Centre for Ethics in Politics in Coimbatore, which he said would promote value-based political engagement and leadership development.
The former BJP leader said his long-term goal is to bring accomplished professionals, experts, and talented individuals into public life. He expressed confidence that the movement would emerge as a platform capable of reshaping political discourse in Tamil Nadu.
"My aspiration is to change the political language and grammar of Tamil Nadu," Annamalai said, adding that he wants to build a movement that remains committed to its principles without compromise.
Explaining his exit from the BJP, Annamalai revealed that he had differences of opinion with the party leadership for nearly 18 months. According to him, he had informed the party about his decision to resign as early as December last year but stayed on to complete responsibilities assigned during the election period.
Despite parting ways with the party, Annamalai said he continues to hold Prime Minister Narendra Modi in high regard and indicated that his new organisation would engage with the BJP as it would with any other political party.
Positioning the movement as an alternative to personality-centric politics, Annamalai said his objective is to move away from cult politics and create a political culture centred on ordinary citizens and wider public participation.
Before formally launching the movement, Annamalai said he met veteran communist leader R Nallakannu and sought his blessings for the new political journey.