Amid speculation about his potential removal as Tamil Nadu BJP chief, K Annamalai has clarified he is not in the race to continue as state president. His statement follows reports that AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami has demanded Annamalai's removal as a condition for reviving the alliance with the BJP ahead of next year’s Assembly elections. Annamalai's criticism of AIADMK leaders reportedly led to the alliance's breakdown in 2023.

Though the BJP hasn’t made major electoral gains under Annamalai since he took charge in 2021, he is credited with boosting the party's visibility in Tamil Nadu. Known for his confrontational style, the former IPS officer drew national attention when he publicly flogged himself during a protest against the DMK.

BJP sources say Annamalai's exit will be framed not as a punishment but as part of a strategy to expand the party’s influence. A bigger role in the party or the Centre hasn’t been ruled out. Caste dynamics may also be at play, with both Annamalai and Palaniswami hailing from the Gounder community. Alliance talks are expected during PM Modi’s Tamil Nadu visit, with a new state BJP chief likely to be announced soon.