BJP goes into a huddle after Annamalai exit; plans to arrest resignations, attract youth

Trichy: Days after former state BJP president K Annamalai quit the party, BJP leaders went into a huddle on Monday in Trichy to discuss strategies to strengthen the party.

The party discussed building a stronger second line of leadership in the party, strengthening booth level presence, preventing resignations of functionaries, attracting youth and increasing social media presence. The meeting was chaired by BJP national secretary Arvind Menon. State BJP president Nainar Nagenthran, former governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, former MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, party TN in charge Sudhakar Reddy and other senior leaders participated in the discussions.

According to sources, the meeting discussed ways to address the organisational issues arising out of the recent resignations from the party.

Nainar Nagenthran assured the functionaries that more youth would be offered tickets in the upcoming local body elections.

“I assured that BJP will stand firm in giving priority to youth in the upcoming local body elections. Due representation and opportunities will be provided to them,’’ Nainar said in an X post after the meeting.

Besides appointing new functionaries in the place of those resigned, the leaders spoke about the need to strengthen booth level presence.

Sudhakar Reddy said the meeting focused on strengthening the organisation from the booth level, supporting the `dedicated’ karyakartas, and reaffirming party’s commitment to the development of Tamil Nadu.

``We move forward with renewed determination, unity, and confidence. From disappointment to determination. From determination to victory,’’ he said.

BJP sources said the need to respond to TVK even as the party countered the dominance of Dravidian parties was discussed at the party.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, BJP state general secretary Rama Srinivasan dismissed concerns over Annamalai’s departure. ``The meeting has nothing to do with Annamalai’s exit. Those who leave the BJP will eventually return. Annamalai’s movement will have no impact on the party,” he said. ``We are also making every effort to stop our cadres from leaving us. The BJP always emerges victorious, and those who leave eventually rejoin the party.”

He also criticised the ruling TVK govt, alleging deterioration in law and order, failure to curb narcotics trafficking and declining safety for women.

Vanathi Srinivasan said they discussed about 12 years of PM Narendra Modi’s ‘successful’ governance, celebrating World Yoga day and about conducting training programs for BJP cadres.