https://indianpedia.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=K._Annamalai_BJP_politicianK. Annamalai BJP politician - Revision history2026-08-02T17:59:14ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.45.4https://indianpedia.org/index.php?title=K._Annamalai_BJP_politician&diff=506823&oldid=prevKuldeep Singh Deep at 14:09, 8 May 20262026-05-08T14:09:01Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Indian politician and former police officer}}<br />
{{Tamil name|Kuppusamy|Annamalai}}{{Use Indian English|date=December 2025}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2025}}<br />
{{Infobox politician<br />
| native_name = <br />
| image = Kuppusamy Annamalai.jpg<br />
| caption = Annamalai in 2024<br />
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1984|6|4|df=y}}<br />
| birth_place = Thottampatti, [[Karur]], Tamil Nadu, India<br />
| spouse = {{marriage|Akhila Swaminathan|2013}}<br />
| children = 1 son<br />
| alma_mater = {{ubl |[[PSG College of Technology]] ([[Bachelor of Engineering|BE]]) |[[IIM Lucknow]] ([[Post Graduate Diploma in Management|PGDM]]) }}<br />
| party = [[File:Logo of the Bharatiya Janata Party.svg|20px]] [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] {{small|(since 2020)}}<br />
| office = Active Member of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]<br />
| term_start = 25 August 2020<br />
| office1 = President of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party – Tamil Nadu]]<br />
| term_start1 = 16 July 2021<br />
| term_end1 = 11 April 2025<br />
| 1blankname1 = National President<br />
| 1namedata1 = [[J. P. Nadda]]<br />
| predecessor1 = [[L. Murugan]]<br />
| successor1 = [[Nainar Nagendran]]<br />
| office2 = Vice President of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party – Tamil Nadu]]<br />
| 1blankname2 = National President<br />
| 1namedata2 = [[J. P. Nadda]]<br />
| 2blankname2 = State President<br />
| 2namedata2 = [[L. Murugan]]<br />
| term_start2 = 29 August 2020<br />
| term_end2 = 7 July 2021<br />
| module = {{Infobox police officer<br />
| embed = yes<br />
| occupation = [[Indian Police Service]] {{small|(Voluntary retirement)}}<br/>[[Politician]]<br/>[[Entrepreneurship]]<br/>[[Farmer]]<br/>[[Social Service]]<br />
| department = [[Karnataka State Police]]<br/>[[Bengaluru City Police]]<br />
| service_years = August 2011 – May 2019<br />
| rank = [[File:IPS one star.png|10px]] [[Assistant Superintendent of Police|Assistant Superintendent of Police Year I (Probationer)]]<br/>[[File:IPS two star.png|10px]] [[Assistant Superintendent of Police|Assistant Superintendent of Police Year II (Probationer)]]<br/>[[File:IPS three star.png|10px]] [[Assistant Superintendent of Police]]<br/>[[File:IPS SP.png|10px]] [[Superintendent of Police]]<br/>[[File:IPS SP.png|10px]] [[Deputy Commissioner of Police]]<br />
}}<br />
| office3 = [[Bengaluru City Police]]<br />
| title3 = [[Deputy Commissioner of Police]]<br/>[[Bengaluru|Bengaluru (South)]]<br />
| term_start3 = October 16, 2018<br />
| term_end3 = May 28, 2019<br />
| office4 = [[Karnataka State Police]]<br />
| title4 = [[Superintendent of Police]]<br/>[[Chikmagalur district|Chikkamagaluru District]]<br />
| term_start4 = August 4, 2016<br />
| term_end4 = October 16, 2018<br />
| title5 = [[Superintendent of Police]]<br/>[[Udupi district|Udupi District]]<br />
| term_start5 = January 1, 2015<br />
| term_end5 = August 4, 2016<br />
| title6 = [[Assistant Superintendent of Police]]<br/>[[Kundapura]] Sub Division<br/>[[Udupi district|Udupi District]]<br/>''(Additional Charge)''<br />
| term_start6 = November 29, 2014<br />
| term_end6 = December 31, 2014<br />
| title7 = [[Assistant Superintendent of Police]]<br/>[[Karkala]] Sub Division<br/>[[Udupi district|Udupi District]]<br />
| term_start7 = September 4, 2013<br />
| term_end7 = December 31, 2014<br />
| office8 = [[Indian Police Service|Indian Police Service - Karnataka Cadre]]<br />
| title8 = IPS Probationer - Phase II <br/>[[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy|SVPNPA]], [[Hyderabad]]<br />
| term_start8 = May 2013<br />
| term_end8 = June 2013<br />
| title9 = [[Assistant Superintendent of Police]]<br/>Probationer (District Training)<br/>[[Shivamogga district|Shivamogga District]]<br />
| term_start9 = November 2012<br />
| term_end9 = April 2013<br />
| title10 = IPS Probationer - Phase I<br/>[[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy|SVPNPA]], [[Hyderabad]]<br />
| term_start10 = December 2011<br />
| term_end10 = October 2012<br />
| office11 = [[Union Public Service Commission]]<br />
| title11 = Officer Trainee<br/>[[Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration|LBSNAA]], [[Mussoorie]]<br />
| term_start11 = August 2011<br />
| term_end11 = November 2011<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Annamalai Kuppusamy''', known as '''K. Annamalai''' (born 4 June 1984), is an Indian politician from the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] and former [[Indian Police Service]] officer employed with the [[Karnataka State Police]] from 2011 until his resignation in 2019. He served as the state president of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party - Tamil Nadu|BJP - Tamil Nadu]] from July 2021 to April 2025, during which he became known for rising visibility and prominence of the party in the state.<ref name="TIE2">{{cite news |last=Janardhanan|first=Arun |title=Divisive & abrasive, the former cop keeping BJP in play in Tamil Nadu |work=[[The Indian Express]] |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/k-annamalai-bjp-tamil-nadu-aiadmk-7958847/|date=9 June 2022|access-date=19 January 2026}}</ref> He unsuccessfully contested the [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]] from [[Aravakurichi Assembly constituency|Aravakurichi]] and [[2024 Lok Sabha election]] from [[Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency|Coimbatore]].<br />
<br />
==Early life and education==<br />
Annamalai was born to Kuppusamy and Parameshwari on 4 June 1984 in Thottampatti village of [[Karur district]], Tamil Nadu. He belongs to the [[Kongu Vellalar|Gounder]] community, a prominent land-owning and politically influential group in [[Kongu Nadu|Western Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="TNIE">{{cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/Jul/08/its-official-former-ips-officer-annamalai-kuppusamy-is-new-chief-of-tamil-nadu-bjp-2327372.html |title=It's official: Former IPS officer Annamalai Kuppusamy is new chief of Tamil Nadu BJP |author=T Muruganandham |website=The New Indian Express |date=9 July 2021 |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref><ref name=oneindia/> <br />
<br />
He is an alumni of [[PSG College of Technology]], [[Coimbatore]], where he completed his graduation in Mechanical Engineering, and the [[Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow]], where he completed his [[Master of Business Administration]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha/a-prestigious-battle-in-coimbatore-where-bjp-is-betting-big-on-its-state-unit-chief/article68025948.ece/amp/ |title=A prestigious battle in Coimbatore, where BJP is betting big on its chief Annamalai |last=Preetha |first=M. Soundariya |date=4 April 2024 |website=The Hindu |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref> In 2011, he cleared the [[Civil Services Examination]] conducted by the [[Union Public Service Commission]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Ace IPS officer Annamalai puts in papers |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/ace-ips-officer-annamalai-puts-in-papers-736617.html |work=[[Deccan Herald]] |date=29 May 2019 |access-date=17 February 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Police career ==<br />
Annamalai joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in the 2011 batch under the Karnataka cadre. During his police career, he served as [[Superintendent of police (India)|Superintendent of Police]] in [[Udupi]] and [[Chikmagalur]] districts, and was later posted as Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), [[Bengaluru]]. He was popularly referred as "Singham" ({{Translation|Lion}}) due to his policing style. He resigned in May 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bhat|first=Prajwal|title=Bengaluru DCP 'Singam' Annamalai quits, says IPS officer's death made him 're-examine' life |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/bluru-dcp-singam-annamalai-quits-says-ips-officers-death-made-him-re-examine-life-102539 |work=[[The News Minute]] |date=25 May 2019 |access-date=6 February 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Political career ==<br />
[[File:Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.jpg|thumb|left|Annamalai (far right) with PM [[Narendra Modi]] at an 2024 event in Madurai]]<br />
Annamalai joined the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] in August 2020 and was appointed a vice-president of the [[BJP Tamil Nadu]] unit within weeks of joining the party.<ref>{{cite news|title=BJP appoints former IPS officer Annamalai State vice-president|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/bjp-appoints-former-ips-officer-annamalai-state-vice-president/article32476870.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=3 August 2020|access-date=11 December 2025}}</ref> On 8 July 2021, he was appointed the President of BJP's Tamil Nadu unit, succeeding [[L. Murugan]].<ref name="TNIE"/> His tenure as state president coincided with an increased visibility of the BJP in Tamil Nadu's political discourse, even as the party continued to face electoral setbacks in the state.<ref name="tie1">{{cite news |last=Janardhanan|first=Arun |title=Why K Annamalai may be a loose cannon, or secret weapon for BJP in Tamil Nadu |work=[[The Indian Express]] |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/tamil-nadu-bjp-chief-k-annamalai-profile-8561226/|date=17 April 2023|access-date=11 December 2025}}</ref><ref name="TIE2"/> In July 2023, Annamalai launched the "En Mann, En Makkal" ({{Translation|Our soil, our people}}) [[padayatra]] with the aim of visiting all of the legislative assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu, which culminated in February 2024 with an event attended by [[Narendra Modi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/02/29/inside-narendra-modis-battle-to-win-over-the-south |title=Inside Narendra Modi’s battle to win over the south |date=29 February 2024 |website=The Economist |access-date=4 February 2026 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240306171944/https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/02/29/inside-narendra-modis-battle-to-win-over-the-south |archive-date=6 March 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="it1">{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/k-annamalai-lok-sabha-election-seat-tamil-nadu-bjp-chief-rise-padayatra-dmk-aiadmk-2509142-2024-03-01 |title=Annamalai may make Lok Sabha debut - Rise of BJP's 'angry young man' |date=2 March 2024 |last=De |first=Abhishek |website=India Today |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref> He stepped down from the post of state unit president in April 2025.<ref name="KAQuit">{{cite news |title=K Annamalai To Step Down As Tamil Nadu BJP Chief |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/aiadmk-aiadmk-bjp-alliance-k-annamalai-to-step-down-as-tamil-nadu-bjp-chief-he-says-8086535 |work=[[NDTV]] |date=4 April 2025 |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref><br />
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===Political positions and disputes===<br />
Taking on the ruling [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK) over corruption, Annamalai released a series of audio recordings as ''DMK Files'', which showed statements linking senior DMK figures, including ex-finance minister [[Palanivel Thiaga Rajan]] and relatives of CM [[M. K. Stalin]] to large-scale financial misconduct, and also corruption cases on DMK ministers such as [[V. Senthil Balaji|Senthil Balaji]] and [[K. Ponmudy]], making the party file defamation cases against him.<ref name="it1"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/tn-bjp-leader-k-annamalai-shows-invoice-of-his-controversial-watch-8556318/ |title=Annamalai releases 'DMK files' on corruption, party vows legal action |date=17 April 2023 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref> The DMK issued a legal notice to Annamalai seeking an unconditional apology and ₹500 crore in damages, alleging that his statements were false, laughable, defamatory, to gain personal and political mileage without any basis or evidence. Despite the allegations in the DMK Files there is no credible report or official record of an FIR, ED/CBI inquiry, or prosecution launched against DMK leaders specifically in relation to the allegations outlined by Annamalai.<ref>{{cite news |date=16 April 2023 |title=MK Stalin's Party Sends Rs 500 Crore Notice To Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai Over "DMK Files" |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mk-stalins-party-sends-rs-500-crore-notice-to-tamil-nadu-bjp-chief-k-annamalai-over-dmk-files-3953119 |access-date=18 February 2026 |work=NDTV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=D |first=C. |date=2023-05-11 |title=DMK Files: Stalin files defamation case against TN BJP chief {{!}} DMK Files: Stalin files defamation case against TN BJP chief |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/politics/110523/dmk-files-stalin-files-defamation-case-against-tn-bjp-chief.html |access-date=2026-02-18 |website=www.deccanchronicle.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=DT |first=NEXT |date=2023-05-10 |title=Corruption charges: Stalin files defamation suit against Annamalai |url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/corruption-charges-stalin-files-defamation-suit-against-annamalai |access-date=2026-02-18 |website=DT Next |language=en}}</ref><br />
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In March 2023, a case was registered by the [[Tamil Nadu Police]]’s cyber crime wing against Annamalai in connection with his social media post alleging attacks on North Indian migrant workers in Tamil Nadu under DMK government. Later, the [[Government of Tamil Nadu|Tamil Nadu]] and [[Bihar Government|Bihar]] governments stated that the reports of attacks were unfounded and cautioned against the circulation of misinformation by him.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-06 |title=Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai booked for 'false messages' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/tamil-nadu-bjp-president-k-annamalai-booked-for-false-messages-attacks-on-north-indian-workers-8480911/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321204704/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/tamil-nadu-bjp-president-k-annamalai-booked-for-false-messages-attacks-on-north-indian-workers-8480911/ |archive-date=21 March 2023 |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><br />
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During his tenure as president, Annamalai's repeated remarks on alliance party [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|AIADMK]]'s ideology and its leaders, including [[C. N. Annadurai]] and [[J. Jayalalithaa]], caused the AIADMK to withdraw from the BJP-led [[National Democratic Alliance]] (NDA) in September 2023.<ref name="fp">{{cite news|date=26 September 2023|url=https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/k-annamalai-the-man-behind-aiadmks-break-up-bjp-tamil-nadu-13173542.html|title=K Annamalai: The man behind AIADMK's break-up with BJP|website=[[Firstpost]]|access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2023-06-13 |title=AIADMK adopts motion condemning BJP leader K. Annamalai over his remarks about former CM Jayalalithaa |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/aiadmk-adopts-motion-condemning-bjp-leader-k-annamalai-over-his-remarks-about-former-cm-jayalalithaa/article66964108.ece |access-date=2026-04-23 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In the [[2024 Indian general election in Tamil Nadu]], the BJP, under the leadership of Annamalai, formed a NDA-lead alliance with the [[Pattali Makkal Katchi]], [[Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar)|Tamil Maanila Congress]], and [[Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam|Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam]], and contested the election. The alliance did not win any of the 39 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Annamalai, who contested from the Coimbatore constituency, was defeated by a margin of approximately 110,000 votes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sehran |first=Sohil |date=2024-06-04 |title=Tamil Nadu the only major state where BJP failed to win a seat, 2024 election results show |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-election-results-bjp-congress-dmk-lok-sabha-elections-101717516537347.html |access-date=2026-04-23 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=4 June 2024 |title=India Bloc Scripts Clean Sweep In Tamil Nadu, BJP And AIADMK Suffer Rout |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-results-tamil-nadu-india-bloc-scripts-clean-sweep-in-tamil-nadu-bjp-and-aiadmk-suffer-rout-5815886 |access-date=23 April 2026 |website=NDTV}}</ref><br />
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Following defeats of both parties in [[2024 Indian general election in Tamil Nadu|2024 Indian general election]], the AIADMK leaders maintained that Annamalai's approach towards alliance partners had led to the defeats.<ref name="pe1">{{cite news|date=6 June 2024|url=https://www.punjabnewsexpress.com/national/news/aiadmk-blames-tn-bjp-chief-annamalai-for-ndas-split-drubbing-in-lok-sabha-polls-251962|title=AIADMK blames TN BJP chief Annamalai for NDA's split, drubbing in Lok Sabha polls|website=Punjab News Express|access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref> On 26 August 2024, Annamalai criticized [[Edappadi K. Palaniswami]], the general secretary of the [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|AIADMK]], referring to him as “illiterate” and alleging that he had emerged as the AIADMK Legislature Party leader in 2017 as the "highest bidder".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Express News |date=2024-08-26 |title=EPS an illiterate, I need no lessons from him on honesty, says Annamalai |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2024/Aug/26/eps-an-illiterate-i-need-no-lessons-from-him-on-honesty-says-annamalai |access-date=2026-04-06 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Annamalai calls EPS 'illiterate', AIADMK hits back |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu/annamalai-calls-eps-illiterate-aiadmk-hits-back-3164822 |access-date=2026-04-06 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> According to a article by [[Deccan Herald]], relations between the AIADMK and the BJP had significantly deteriorated during Annamalai’s leadership.<ref name=":0" /><br />
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Supporters within party have credited Annamalai as expanding the party's activity in the state dominated by [[Dravidian parties]], while former allies have argued that it strained coalition relationships.<ref name="pe1"/><ref name="tie1"/> Political analysts noted that Annamalai's leadership was inclined on pursuing independent growth for BJP rather than relying on alliances.<ref name="fp"/><br />
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===Public protests===<br />
During protests following the [[Anna University#Incidents|2024 Anna University sexual assault case]], Annamalai engaged in act of self-[[flagellation]] as a form of protest, drawing public and media attention to concerns over law and order under DMK. He vowed to remove DMK from power and took an oath to abstain from wearing footwear and to fast for 48 days until the ruling DMK is removed from power.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-28 |title=BJP’s Annamalai flogs himself to protest against varsity case |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bjps-annamalai-flogs-himself-to-protest-against-varsity-case-101735325009174.html |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> On 13 April 2026, following the request of the new BJP state president and his successor, Nainar Nagendran, he resumed wearing footwear.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-04-13 |title=Annamalai Ends Barefoot Protest, Wears Footwear Again |url=https://newstodaynet.com/2025/04/13/annamalai-ends-barefoot-protest-wears-footwear-again/ |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=News Today {{!}} First with the news |language=en-US}}</ref> <br />
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=== Controversies ===<br />
On 22 December 2022, Annamalai faced criticism from political opponents over a luxury “[[Dassault Rafale|Rafale]]” special edition [[Watch|wristwatch]] reportedly worth over ₹5 lakh. Critics questioned how he could afford the watch, sought proof of purchase, and also raised concerns over his references to nationalism given that the watch was manufactured in [[France]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-18 |title=BJP's Annamalai says 'I wear Rafale watch of ₹3.5 lakh because...' amid row |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bjps-annamalai-says-i-wear-rafale-watch-of-rs-3-5-lakh-because-amid-row-101671370651419.html |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> After four months, in April 2023, Annamalai released a purchase bill for the watch.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sigamany |first=Shabbir Ahmed,Vidya |date=2023-04-14 |title=Annamalai releases Rafale watch bill, more questions emerge |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/annamalai-releases-rafale-watch-bill-more-questions-emerge-175920 |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}</ref><br />
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In July 2025, K. Annamalai purchased agricultural land near [[Coimbatore]], reported to be up to {{Convert|14|acre|ha|abbr=unit}}. Political opponents alleged that the property was registered at the government guideline value rather than the higher market value. Annamalai denied any wrongdoing, stating that the purchase was funded through personal savings and loans, and that applicable stamp duty and registration charges, reported to be over ₹40 lakh, were duly paid.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Express News |date=2025-09-13 |title=I bought land with loan and savings: Annamalai |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2025/Sep/13/i-bought-land-with-loan-and-savings-annamalai |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-09-13 |title=Annamalai clarifies land purchase, plans investments |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/annamalai-clarifies-land-purchase-plans-investments/articleshow/123859020.cms |access-date=2026-03-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><br />
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===Post-presidency activities===<br />
In April 2025, Annamalai was changed from state president post with reports that the decision was taken by the BJP to mend ties with AIADMK.<ref>{{cite news |title=Annamalai says not in race for Tamil Nadu chief post: Is BJP setting stage for AIADMK tie up? |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=5 April 2025 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/annamalai-says-not-in-race-for-tamil-nadu-chief-post-is-bjp-setting-stage-for-aiadmk-tie-up/articleshow/119987341.cms|access-date=6 February 2026}}</ref> Reportedly, [[Edappadi K. Palaniswami|Palaniswami]] set, as a precondition for alliance discussions ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, the removal of Annamalai from his position, citing his criticism of the AIADMK prior to the talks with the BJP.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Emmanuel |first=Gladwin |date=2026-02-13 |title=BJP 'Singham' whose roar has faded: What went wrong for Annamalai in Tamil Nadu? |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2026/Feb/13/bjp-singham-whose-roar-has-faded-what-went-wrong-for-annamalai-in-tamil-nadu |access-date=2026-04-06 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-04-03 |title=Tamil Nadu elections: Why Annamalai missed BJP candidate list - alliance over leader? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/tamil-nadu-elections-why-annamalai-missed-bjp-candidate-list-alliance-over-leader/articleshow/130000992.cms |access-date=2026-04-06 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> He was succeeded by [[Nainar Nagendran]], who was former AIADMK minister. He continued to make public statements and participate in party activities. He criticises DMK on issues of law and order deterioration.<ref>{{cite news |title=DMK creating unrest with minority appeasement politics: BJP |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=23 May 2025 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/bjp-dmk-creating-unrest-with-minority-appeasement-politics/articleshow/125794808.cms |access-date=6 February 2026}}</ref><br />
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Annamalai's meeting with AMMK leader [[T.T.V. Dhinakaran]] in mid-2025, raised speculation about realignments, though he stated that he had no plans to float separate political party and remained committed to the BJP.<ref>{{cite news |title=Annamalai meets OPS, TTV, triggering political buzz |work=The Times of India |date=9 December 2025 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/annamalai-meets-ops-ttv-triggering-political-buzz/articleshow/125874768.cms |access-date=11 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=No one can make a person stay in a party at gunpoint, says Annamalai |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=31 October 2025 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/bjp-leader-annamalai-says-no-one-can-make-a-person-stay-in-a-party-at-gunpoint/articleshow/125002165.cms |access-date=11 December 2025}}</ref><br />
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For [[2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]], Annamalai was assigned BJP's incharge for six constituencies, but later stepped down due to personal reasons. During the seat-sharing arrangements, he expressed strong displeasure to the party's national leadership over the constituencies allotted by the AIADMK.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=S. Vijay |date=2026-03-26 |title=Annamalai unhappy with constituencies allocated by AIADMK |url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/tamil-nadu-assembly/annamalaiunhappy-with-constituencies-allocated-by-aiadmk/article70789767.ece |access-date=2026-03-27 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On April 4, 2026, while addressing reporters in Chennai, Annamalai said he had already decided not to contest the election and had informed the party’s core committee in advance. He clarified that the decision was his own and not due to being denied a ticket and added that he would campaign for NDA alliance candidates across Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 April 2026 |title= Annamalai Breaks Silence After BJP Denies Ticket For Tamil Nadu Polls: 'I Decided'|url=https://www.news18.com/elections/annamalai-breaks-silence-after-bjp-denied-him-ticket-for-tamil-nadu-polls-i-decided-ws-l-10013918.html |access-date=4 April 2026 |work=[[News18]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
== International engagements ==<br />
As Tamil Nadu BJP president, Annamalai participated in several international political and diaspora-related events. He visited [[Sri Lanka]] in 2022 and 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |title=MoS L Murugan, BJP leader Annamalai arrives at Chennai airport from Sri Lanka|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/mos-l-murugan-bjp-leader-annamalai-arrives-at-chennai-airport-from-sri-lanka20230212061440/ |date=2023-02-12|access-date=2026-02-17 |website=[[ANI News]] |language=en}}</ref> where he met with Sri Lankan lawmakers, [[Ceylon Tamils]], representatives of NGOs and political leaders.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-30 |title=Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai departs for Sri Lanka, to meet Tamil leaders and NGOs |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/tamil-nadu-bjp-chief-k-annamalai-departs-for-sri-lanka-to-meet-tamil-leaders-and-ngos-article-91201306 |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=[[Times Now]] |language=en}}</ref> During these visits, he insisted upon India’s position on the implementation of the [[Thirteenth Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution]] and raised concerns related to the welfare of Tamil communities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-27 |title=BJP Embraces Tamil Diaspora |url=https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/bjp-embraces-tamil-diaspora/ |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=[[Colombo Telegraph]] |language=en-US}}</ref><br />
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In 2023, Annamalai took part in the Young Leaders Forum: ''UK-India Week 2023'', organized by the India Global Forum at [[The Nehru Centre, London]] for promoting [[India–United Kingdom relations|India–UK bilateral ties]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=K Annamalai, Arman Malik take part in Young Leaders Forum in London |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/k-annamalai-arman-malik-take-part-in-young-leaders-forum-in-london-123062500495_1.html |date=2023-06-25|access-date=2026-02-17 |website=[[Business Standard]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=UK-India Week kick-starts in London with Young Leaders Forum |date=2023-06-25 |url=https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/international/2023/06/25/fgn41-uk-india-young-leaders-forum.html |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]] |language=en}}</ref> He also led a four-member delegation from [[BJP]] in India, participating in ''[[BRICS]] Political Parties Plus Dialogue Summit'' (BRICS-PPPDS) held at [[Johannesburg]], [[South Africa]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=BJP sends 4-member delegation headed by Annamalai to South Africa |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/jul/15/bjp-sends4-member-delegation-headed-by-annamalaito-south-africa-2595132.html |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=15 July 2023 }}</ref><br />
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In 2024, Annamalai participated in ''[[Chevening Scholarship|Chevening Fellowship]] programme for Leadership and Excellence'' at [[University of Oxford]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Yazhiniyan|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|title=BJP's Annamalai to study in Oxford University for a few months|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/bjps-annamalai-to-study-in-oxford-university-for-a-few-months/articleshow/111426088.cms|date=2 July 2024|access-date=6 February 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Elections contested==<br />
<div style="overflow-x:auto;"><br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"<br />
!rowspan=2|Elections<br />
!rowspan=2|Lok Sabha<br />
!rowspan=2|Constituency<br />
!colspan=2 rowspan=2|Political party<br />
!rowspan=2|Result<br />
!rowspan=2|Vote percentage<br />
!colspan=5|Opposition<br />
|-<br />
!Candidate<br />
!colspan=2|Political party<br />
!Vote percentage<br />
|-<br />
|[[2024 Lok Sabha election|2024]]<br />
|[[18th Lok Sabha|18th]]<br />
|[[Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency|Coimbatore]]<br />
|[[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]]<br />
|{{party color cell|Bharatiya Janata Party}}<br />
|{{Lost}}<br />
|32.79%<br />
|[[Ganapathi P. Rajkumar]]<br />
|[[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]]<br />
|{{party color cell|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}<br />
|41.39%<br />
|}<br />
<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div style="overflow-x:auto;"><br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"<br />
!rowspan=2|Elections<br />
!rowspan=2|Assembly<br />
!rowspan=2|Constituency<br />
!colspan=2 rowspan=2|Political party<br />
!rowspan=2|Result<br />
!rowspan=2|Vote percentage<br />
!colspan=5|Opposition<br />
|-<br />
!Candidate<br />
!colspan=2|Political party<br />
!Vote percentage<br />
|-<br />
|[[2021 Tamil Nadu legislative assembly elections|2021]]<br />
|[[16th Tamil Nadu Assembly|16th]]<br />
|[[Aravakurichi Assembly constituency|Aravakurichi]]<br />
|[[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]]<br />
|{{party color cell|Bharatiya Janata Party}}<br />
|{{Lost}}<br />
|38.71%<br />
|[[R. Elango]]<br />
|[[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]]<br />
|{{party color cell|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}<br />
|52.72%<br />
|}<br />
<br />
</div><br />
<br />
==Personal life==<br />
He is married to Akhila Swaminathan, and has one son.<ref name=oneindia>{{cite web|title=Annamalai Kuppusamy Biography|work=Oneindia|url=https://www.oneindia.com/politicians/annamalai-kuppusamy-71767.html}}</ref><br />
<br />
His interests were in [[organic farming]], and to pursue an [[Agrarianism|agrarian lifestyle]] before entering politics. He was also associated with establishment of initiatives such as "We the Leaders" Foundation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theprint.in/politics/why-tamil-nadu-bjp-chief-annamalai-traded-in-the-quiet-life-he-dreamt-of-for-toxic-politics/1404156/ |title=Why Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai traded in the quiet life he dreamt of for 'toxic' politics |work=[[The Print]] |date=28 February 2023|access-date=7 February 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Other appearances==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
! Year<br />
! Film<br />
! Language<br />
! Role<br />
! Notes<br />
|-<br />
| 2024<br />
| ''Arabbie''<br />
| [[Kannada]]<br />
| Swimming coach <br />
| ''[[Cameo appearance]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/kannada/tn-bjp-leader-k-annamalai-plays-a-coach-in-a-kannada-film-article-108542342|title=TN BJP Leader K Annamalai plays a coach in a Kannada film|work= [[Times Now]]|date=16 March 2024|access-date=7 February 2026|language=en}}</ref><br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
<br />
* {{cite book |title=Stepping Beyond Khaki: Revelations of a Real-Life Singham |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=wLYMEAAAQBAJ |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing|Bloomsbury]] |date=18 January 2021 |isbn=978-93-8944-987-7}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Former IPS officer's tell-all memoir unveils 'real-life Singham' behind the khaki uniform |url=https://theprint.in/softcover/former-ips-officers-tell-all-memoir-unveils-real-life-singham-behind-the-khaki-uniform/588875/ |work=[[ThePrint]] |date=21 January 2021 |access-date=17 February 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
==External links==<br />
{{Commons category}}<br />
<br />
{{Bharatiya Janata Party|state=collapsed}}<br />
{{Authority control}}<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Annamalai, Kuppusamy}}<br />
[[Category:1984 births]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]<br />
[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Tamil Nadu]]<br />
[[Category:Indian Police Service officers]]<br />
[[Category:People from Karur district]]<br />
[[Category:Politicians from Tamil Nadu]]<br />
[[Category:Indian Tamil politicians]]<br />
[[Category:21st-century Indian politicians]]<br />
[[Category:Indian Institute of Management Lucknow alumni]]<br />
[[Category:Anna University alumni]]</div>Kuldeep Singh Deep