Chennai, Feb 3 (NationPress) K. Annamalai, the former president of the Tamil Nadu BJP, declared on Tuesday that he would be stepping back from his election responsibilities due to significant family obligations, as the State prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections expected in the coming months.

This announcement is particularly timely as the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is in the process of finalizing its electoral strategies and initiating campaign activities throughout Tamil Nadu.

Annamalai had been assigned by BJP leadership with oversight for six Assembly constituencies, including Singanallur and Virugambakkam, as part of the party’s broader coordination within the NDA.

In explaining his choice, Annamalai noted that he needed to focus on caring for his father, whose health had declined.

He emphasized that this decision was strictly personal and devoid of political motivations, reaffirming his unwavering ideological allegiance to both the BJP and the NDA.

While addressing the media, Annamalai vocally supported the Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that Tamil Nadu has reaped benefits from the 16th Finance Commission recommendations sanctioned by the Centre.

He highlighted that the allocation of 10% of funds through tax devolution for national development has effectively muted opposition parties' criticisms, which previously accused the Centre of neglecting the State.

Delivering a sharp critique of the ruling DMK, Annamalai accused its ministers of lacking a fundamental understanding of the ideological legacy left by former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai.

"If DMK ministers were asked to pen ten lines about Anna, none would succeed. They merely pay lip service to his memory on his birth and death anniversaries," he stated.

Annamalai reiterated that the NDA would pursue the upcoming Assembly elections under the guidance of Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who he asserted would be the chief ministerial candidate for the alliance.

He characterized the DMK-Congress coalition as a "fractured and weakened alliance" lacking clear direction.

Focusing on actor Vijay and his newly formed political party, Annamalai remarked that the group lacks a driving force.

"Vijay's party operates without an engine. Who will lead it? His speeches incite cheers but fail to provoke thought," he commented.

Despite his withdrawal from campaign duties, Annamalai's comments indicate that the BJP aims to remain a robust ally within the NDA as the political landscape in Tamil Nadu heats up.