Another jolt to BJP in Tamil Nadu: After Annamalai quits, another leader exits party and joins TVK: ‘No democracy’

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu faces another significant setback as former MLA AG Sampath announced his resignation from the party. This departure comes just days after the exit of the state's former chief, K Annamalai, further destabilizing the party's presence in the region.

“

There is no democracy within the BJP today, and the party has failed to understand the sentiments and aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu.

Sampath, however, is charting a different course than Annamalai. Instead of joining the newly formed "Idhu Namma Iyakkam" (This Is Our Movement) launched by Annamalai, Sampath has opted to join Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). This move signals a potential realignment of political forces within Tamil Nadu.

“

I have always been a follower of Annamalai, and it was only because of him that I continued my journey in the BJP until now.

Explaining his decision, Sampath pointed to a perceived lack of internal democracy within the BJP's state unit. He stated that the party has consistently failed to grasp the sentiments and aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu. Sampath also indicated that the party's internal dynamics had caused emotional distress not only to Annamalai but also to other party functionaries like himself.

“

Those within the BJP not only hurt Annamalai emotionally but also caused immense hardship to party functionaries like us. That is why I resigned from the BJP immediately after Annamalai left.

Sampath expressed his initial attraction to the BJP was due to Annamalai, believing the party would work for Tamil Nadu's welfare. However, he felt his resignation became inevitable after Annamalai's departure. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran urged party cadres to remain with the BJP, emphasizing its status as a large party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and downplayed the impact of Annamalai's exit.

“

My request to BJP cadres is: don't go to any other party or movement. Please stay here. BJP is a huge party. We have the number one leader in the world, PM Modi.