Who is K Annamalai everyone is talking about?

The Bharatiya Janata party's state president K. Annamalai, a former IPS officer contesting his first parliamentary election is trailing behind DMK's Ganapati Rajkumar by a margin of 17366 votes, according to the Election Commission of India. This is a major setback for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu.

The high-profile contest in Coimbatore had garnered significant attention. The 40-year-old Annamalai once hailed as the 'Singham (Lion) of Karnataka Police,' aimed for a successful electoral debut on his birthday, June 4. However, as the vote counting concluded, Rajkumar emerged victorious, securing 53,580 votes, while Annamalai trailed with 36,214 votes. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's (AIADMK) Singai Ramachandran finished third with 23,396 votes.

Annamalai's defeat in Coimbatore is a significant setback for the BJP, which had hoped the former police officer would lead the party's efforts to gain ground in Tamil Nadu. Despite his popularity and extensive campaigning, Annamalai's candidacy failed to resonate with the industrial city's voters.

The Coimbatore result is part of a larger trend in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP has struggled to make significant gains in southern states, including Tamil Nadu. The party's performance in the state will be closely watched as it seeks to expand beyond its traditional strongholds.

Who is K. Annamalai?

Kuppusamy Annamalai, a native of Karur district, had a distinguished career as an IPS officer in Karnataka before resigning in 2019 to pursue organic farming. His entry into politics was marked by controversies, with opposition parties accusing him of leveraging his connections with the BJP government during his tenure.

Annamalai completed his Bachelor of Engineering degree at PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, in 2007. He later pursued a PGDM in Business from the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, in 2010.

After completing his officer training at LBSNA Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, in September 2011, Annamalai served as an officer trainee at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy. His assignments included roles as assistant superintendent of police in Karkala, Karnataka, superintendent of police in Udupi, and deputy commissioner of police in South Bangalore.

Controversies and political journey 

In 2019, Annamalai faced criticism from DMK leaders upon joining the BJP. They accused him of benefiting from the political powers of the BJP government during his tenure as an IPS officer. Annamalai defended himself, emphasizing that he served as an IPS officer during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government’s rule.

Relocating to his village in Karur district, Annamalai was initially groomed as the chief ministerial candidate for Tamil superstar Rajinikanth’s party. However, he ultimately joined the BJP on August 25, 2020. Within 10 months, he became the state unit chief.

In the subsequent year, Annamalai contested the Tamil Nadu state assembly election from the Aravakurichi constituency in Karur district, backed by the BJP. Despite his efforts, he was defeated by DMK leader NR Elango.

As the youngest president of the Tamil Nadu unit, Annamalai embarked on the “En Mann, En Makkal” yatra, carrying the BJP flag and symbol to all 234 assembly constituencies in the state.

The Coimbatore result will undoubtedly be a disappointment for Annamalai and the BJP, but the party is likely to continue its efforts to gain a stronger foothold in the state, banking on the young leader's popularity and organizational skills.

As the counting of votes progresses across the country, the dynamics of the next Lok Sabha and the formation of the government at the center will become clearer in the coming days.