Will Give Blood To Make EPS Tamil Nadu's Next Chief Minister: Annamalai

Former Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K. Annamalai stated that the BJP will give blood to make Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He addressed
the alliance with the AIADMK, saying there was "no bad blood" and that the BJP is fully committed to the partnership.

At the India Today Conclave South 2025, he addressed the alliance with the AIADMK, saying there was "no bad blood" and that the BJP is fully committed to the partnership.

"In 2026 it's going to be an alliance. By heart, we are committed to put our heart and soul. We will give our blood to make EPS Chief Minister. That's how alliance works. This is not lip-syncing; we go the full distance," India Today quoted the former IPS officer as saying.

Annamalai admitted the BJP cannot form a government on its own in 2026 and called it a "classic case" for an alliance. He said the leadership made a "pragmatic call" to ally with the AIADMK, a decision he hopes will reap results. He confirmed that Amit Shah ji very clearly said EPS ji is the NDA's chief ministerial candidate, and they are backing him.

"If six months ago you had asked, I would have pushed for BJP to contest alone for multiple elections. But when leadership listens to all sides and takes a deep pragmatic call considering 2026's importance to the country, all we can do as karyakartas is make a case. At the end of the day, leaders make decisions by listening to everyone," he said.

On the subject of AIADMK's internal unity, Annamalai said it was for the party's leaders to decide, noting they are mature enough and have ruled for over 31 years. He expressed that he doesn't want to sit outside advising them but hopes EPS knows a unified front is necessary for 2026.