A major development is expected in the Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Chennai today. The high-profile visit has led to intense political speculation about an imminent change in the state leadership, particularly amid discussions about strengthening the alliance between the BJP and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) ahead of upcoming elections. Amit Shah is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting with senior BJP leaders at a private hotel in Chennai. In addition to this, his itinerary includes visits to two temples and a significant meeting with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue S Gurumurthy. The timing of the visit is notable as it aligns with the opening of nominations for the post of BJP Tamil Nadu state president.

The visit has revived speculation about the future of current state BJP chief K Annamalai, who has been a prominent and controversial figure in the southern political landscape. The former IPS officer, who joined the party in 2021, recently announced he would not be contesting for a second term as state president. This declaration came after reports surfaced of a meeting between AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) and Amit Shah last month, during which EPS reportedly expressed strong opposition to Annamalai’s continued leadership and demanded either his removal or a reduction in his influence.

While the BJP officially termed Shah’s visit as a routine party affair, insiders suggest that leadership changes and alliance strategies are top priorities. EPS's meeting with Shah is said to have been pivotal in shaping the BJP’s internal discussions, with political observers noting that EPS looked visibly satisfied after the encounter. Annamalai, in response to questions about that meeting, stated that any political leader was free to meet the Home Minister to discuss matters of law and order.

Possible Replacements and Political Maneuvering

With Annamalai out of the race, several names emerged as potential contenders for the top BJP post in Tamil Nadu. These included former state president and current Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, and party leader Nainar Nagendran. However, party regulations state that candidates must have been basic members of the BJP for at least ten years to be eligible. Annamalai joined in 2021 and Nainar Nagendran in 2017, making them technically ineligible under current rules. Nonetheless, party sources hinted that these criteria could be amended if the leadership deems it strategically necessary. Tamilisai Soundararajan, who previously held the post of BJP Tamil Nadu president and has significant experience within the party structure, is seen as a strong contender if the party wants to maintain internal stability while also appealing to its core voter base. Meanwhile, Vanathi Srinivasan, who has gained visibility through her legislative work and proximity to national leadership, also remains a viable option.

A key element of Shah’s visit is his meeting with S Gurumurthy, who has long been considered an influential behind-the-scenes strategist in Tamil Nadu politics. Gurumurthy is credited with inspiring O. Panneerselvam’s ‘Dharmayudham’ campaign, which led to a major internal split in AIADMK and the eventual sidelining of VK Sasikala. He is also thought to have played a role in K Annamalai’s rise within the BJP, making this meeting particularly significant. Interestingly, Annamalai himself met with Gurumurthy a day prior to Shah’s arrival, suggesting ongoing internal deliberations. However, insiders close to the matter say that a firm decision has already been made at the central level to strengthen ties with AIADMK as the BJP reconfigures its southern strategy. The leadership change, expected to be announced shortly, is likely to reflect this shift, with the party aiming to present a more collaborative face in Tamil Nadu.

As Shah’s visit progresses, all eyes remain on Chennai to see if a formal announcement will be made or whether the leadership change will unfold in the days to come. One thing is certain—the political dynamics in Tamil Nadu are undergoing a major recalibration, and Amit Shah’s visit marks a critical point in that transformation.