In a significant shift ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to announce MLA Nainar Nagendran as the new state president of Tamil Nadu. This decision, confirmed by multiple sources within the party, is expected to be officially revealed on Saturday evening, April 12, 2025, following a meeting of the party’s state executive committee.
Nagendran, currently the state vice president and a prominent leader from the Thevar community in Tirunelveli, has emerged as the clear favorite of the BJP’s central leadership. "Nainar will file the nomination today between 2 PM and 4 PM, and others may file on his behalf too. Necessary changes to the nomination and election process will be made within the party’s template rules, if required," a senior leader noted.
This announcement comes in the wake of K Annamalai, the current state president, stating that he is “not in the contest for the new state chief” and will continue to serve as an “ordinary cadre.” His departure from the leadership role has been framed not as a demotion but rather as a strategic move to recalibrate the party’s leadership profile in Tamil Nadu, particularly in light of the alliance with the AIADMK.
With Annamalai and AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami both hailing from the Gounder community, which is dominant in the western Kongu region, the BJP is keen to balance caste representation to expand its voter base across Tamil Nadu. Nagendran’s appointment is seen as a way to strengthen this outreach, given his roots in the southern belt of the state.
Nagendran's political journey has been remarkable. After leaving the AIADMK in 2017 due to a perceived leadership vacuum, he joined the BJP and contested the Tirunelveli Assembly seat in 2021, winning as part of the BJP-AIADMK alliance. His rise within the BJP has been notable, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally campaigning for him in the 2021 Assembly elections and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending two of his public meetings during the 2024 Lok Sabha campaign.
In a previous conversation with The Indian Express, Nagendran articulated his vision for Tamil Nadu, aiming to unite Hindu Dalit, Most Backward, and Backward communities under a cohesive social engineering strategy. "What we are trying is to make Tirunelveli a Kanyakumari-model place for the BJP with a significant vote base," he stated.
As the BJP prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections, Nagendran’s appointment, if confirmed, will be a strategic move to deepen the party’s influence in the south and enhance its caste outreach. Currently, the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit has four MLAs in the assembly, with Nagendran being the most senior among them, maintaining a relatively low-profile, non-confrontational public image—unlike Annamalai, whose aggressive approach has brought both visibility and friction with key alliance partners.
The executive committee meeting scheduled for 5 PM on Saturday is expected to formalize Nagendran’s appointment, barring any last-minute surprises. With the nomination being filed today and no opposition in sight, BJP insiders are optimistic about a smooth transition.
In the backdrop of this leadership change, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Chennai on April 10, 2025, to review the party's operations ahead of the 2026 elections. His visit coincided with the Tamil Nadu BJP unit inviting applications from party aspirants to contest the post of party president, further emphasizing the urgency of solidifying leadership before the elections.
As part of the transition, K Annamalai has reiterated his commitment to the party, stating, "I will continue to be a cadre. I came to politics to fight against corruption, and I wouldn’t compromise in that resolve." This statement came shortly after a meeting with Shah, where discussions about the BJP-AIADMK alliance were expected to take place.
Reports indicate that the AIADMK has been pushing for Annamalai’s removal as state president, a demand articulated by Palaniswami during recent meetings. The strained relations between the BJP and AIADMK, particularly following Annamalai’s controversial remarks against AIADMK leaders, have necessitated a leadership change to facilitate a potential revival of their alliance.
The BJP’s decision to elevate Nagendran is seen as a strategic move to mend ties with the AIADMK, as his background and connections within the party could ease negotiations. With the party’s performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections being less than favorable, this leadership change is viewed as essential for regaining ground in Tamil Nadu.
Nagendran’s experience as a former minister in the AIADMK government from 2001 to 2006, coupled with his understanding of the party’s culture and sensitivities, positions him well to navigate the complexities of Tamil Nadu politics. His elevation could play a pivotal role in shaping the BJP's strategy for the upcoming assembly elections and solidifying its alliance with the AIADMK.
As the BJP gears up for this significant transition, all eyes will be on the official announcement expected on Saturday, which could set the tone for the party's electoral strategy in Tamil Nadu. With Nagendran at the helm, the BJP aims to present a united front and strengthen its foothold in a politically vibrant and diverse state.
