BJP's TN list out, 'Singham' Annamalai's name missing in shock move

The BJP released its 27-candidate list for the 2026 Tamil Nadu polls, surprisingly omitting state powerhouse K Annamalai. While senior leaders are included, Annamalai's absence has sent shockwaves through the state's political circles.

Annamalai's Name Missing From BJP's First List

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday released its list of 27 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, after negotiations within the NDA alliance.

The release of the BJP's first candidate list for the April 23, 2026, Tamil Nadu Assembly elections has sent shockwaves through the state's political circles. K Annamalai, the aggressive "Singham" of the Tamil Nadu BJP who was widely expected to lead the charge, is conspicuously absent from the roster. While senior leaders like Tamilisai Soundararajan (Mylapore), Vanathi Srinivasan (Coimbatore North), and Union Minister L. Murugan (Avinashi) have been fielded, Annamalai's name is nowhere to be found.

Party Cites National Role for Annamalai

Annamalai K has made commendable achievements in taking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies to the people or taking the party's projects village by village in the state.

The party's top brass leadership, such as Home Minister Amir Shah, has on many occasions stated that the BJP will utilise Annamalai's organisational skills in the party's national structure. Last year, the current BJP president, Nainar Naginthiran, replaced K Annamalai as the state party chief, as nomination for the post was received only from Nagenthiran.

Annamalai Pledges Full Support

Contrary to expectations, Annamalai congratulated the candidates announced for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. "They carry the support of every brother & sister of TN who is tired of corruption, complacency, and the DMK's betrayal. Under the visionary leadership of our Hon PM Thiru @narendramodi avl, India has moved forward with strength, scale, and purpose," he said in an X post.

Hitting out at the incumbent state government, Annamalai accused DMK of being a "failed, arrogant, and self-serving" administration holding back Tamil Nadu.

"I as a Karyakarta will stand shoulder to shoulder & campaign for all our winning BJP & other NDA candidates, with the aim of the NDA winning 210 seats in the upcoming assembly elections," he said.

A Key Figure in BJP's Southern Strategy

Notably, Annamalai, the former IPS officer, is a key figure in the party's aggressive expansion strategy in South India. He's often seen as a direct representative of PM Narendra Modi's vision, frequently appearing alongside him at major rallies.

Annamalai's rise to prominence is notable, having joined the BJP in 2020 and quickly leading the state unit. His efforts have increased the BJP's visibility in Tamil Nadu, traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties DMK and AIADMK.

NDA Seat-Sharing Details

The AIADMK, which leads the alliance, will contest 169 of the 234 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest 27 seats, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) 18, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) 11, Tamil Maanila Congress five, Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi (IJK) one, and Puratchi Bharatham one seat.

Election Schedule and Main Contest

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, covering a total of 234 constituencies in the State. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

The main electoral contest in the State is expected between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), and the NDA led by AIADMK. However, actor-turned-politician Vijay will look to turn it into a three-way contest.

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