BJP Annamalai Takes Break From Politics? Off To Study In Oxford

The latest buzz is that Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai is taking a 3-month break up to pursue a fellowship in leadership in Oxford. BJP Party is expected to replace a temporary leader in his post.

Fellowship Program:

Sources said that the Bharatiya Janata Party has approved his departure to pursue his studies in the leadership in Oxford. Annamalai has been chosen for the prestigious Chevening Gurukul Fellowship for Leadership and Excellence, sponsored by the United Kingdom Foreign Office. 

The program, starting in September, will take place at the University of Oxford's Department of Politics and International Relations. His request for a temporary leave from party duties has been pending for a month.

Temporary Replacement:

Sources have confirmed that the party has approved his break, and there are no plans to appoint a temporary replacement for the state president during his absence. "There has been no discussion about a replacement or temporary arrangement. Second-rung leaders will manage party activities while Annamalai is away," the source stated.

It is also indicated that Annamalai is expected to resume his role upon completion of the fellowship. The approval for the course was granted during his visit to New Delhi on August 5, following a meeting with senior party leaders on August 1.

BJP Annamalai:

A former Indian Police Service officer, Annamalai has led the BJP in Tamil Nadu for the past three years. Under his leadership, the BJP’s performance in Tamil Nadu during the Lok Sabha elections fell short of expectations, with the party failing to win any seats and Annamalai himself losing in Coimbatore.

Annamalai Budget Discussion:

There had been speculation that Annamalai might resign as party president, but a New Delhi source confirmed he has not done so. He is set to lead a district presidents' meeting on August 11 in Tirupur and plans to hold a public meeting on August 25 to discuss the new Union Budget.