Annamalai attacks Delhi-centric BJP decisions and Gujarat project focus

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai said the party’s decision-making had become too Delhi-centric and criticised what he called a Gujarat-focused development model. Speaking at the India Today Tamil Nadu Round Table in Chennai, he said artificial intelligence and wafer companies, the 2030 Commonwealth Games, police games and the 2036 Olympics could not all be directed to Gujarat. He called for greater authority for state leaders.

India Today reports that Annamalai, who quit the BJP in June and launched We the Leaders, said prolonged disagreements over the party’s approach to Tamil Nadu led to his exit. He also questioned the Centre’s changing position on the Mekedatu dam, linking it to upcoming Karnataka and Tamil Nadu elections. Annamalai said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay should be given at least a year to govern and currently had his support. He said he continued to respect Prime Minister Narendra Modi.