• Source:JND
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BJP MLA and Tamil Nadu unit vice president Nainar Nagendran is set to replace K Annamalai from the party's top post in the state, as no other leader has filed a nomination to contest for the post. Moreover, senior party leaders, including Annamali himself, have proposed his name.

Nevertheless, the gravity of his appointment needs to be tested on various aspects. First and foremost among them is the state election slated for next year.

Secondly, his appointment is likely to come at a point when Home Minister and top brass leader, Amit Shah, is in Tamil Nadu and has announced alliance with AIADMK.

As far as polls are concerned, Nagendram can act as one who sets the wheels in motion for the BJP-AIADMK alliance, something which was not easily conceivable for Annamalai.

Annamalai and AIADMK complexities

As past history between both parties tells, Annamalai's criticism of the top AIADMK leaders, including that of MGR and J Jayalalithaa in 2023, was one of the reasons behind AIADMK's withdrawal from the alliance with BJP back then. Moreover, AIADMKA has also passed a resolution against Annamalai.

However, last month, AIADMK general secretary and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami visited Delhi and met Amit Shah, further consolidating rumours of the alliance, before finally conceiving it today.

For the BJP, an alliance with AIADMK could be a better option, but Annamalai's performance in the last couple of years has blown new hopes in the party that the top leadership could not ignore.

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After severing ties with AIADMK, BJP contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections alone and garnered 11 per cent vote on its own. The BJP-led alliance won 18 per cent in total. Meanwhile, AIADMK won 23 per cent vote.

Nagendran can set wheels in motion

Both for the BJP and the AIADMK, the alliance is the best shot to oust MK Stalin's DMK government. And Nagendran can play a key role in smoothly running the alliance. Annamalai and EPS both come from the Gondiya community, and so choosing a state president from other castes could increase the party's visibility among voters of Tamil Nadu.

Additionally, Nagendran comes from southern Tamil Nadu, where the BJP is trying to expand its voter base. Therefore, Nagendran's appointment could benefit the BJP in that region. Besides, his former AIADMK status would help him to deal with the alliance partner in an effective way.

A three-time MLA and a vice president, Nagendran also has experience working with the top leadership while being on the ground with voters.

ALSO READ: Tamil Nadu BJP To Get New President, MLA Nainar Nagendran To Replace Annamalai