Nainar Nagenthran, BJP Legislature Party Leader and former AIADMK Minister, is poised to take charge as the 13th president of the Tamil Nadu BJP, marking a significant political development amid speculations of a renewed alliance between the BJP and the AIADMK.

The announcement came on April 11, 2025, after Nagenthran emerged as the sole nominee for the post. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the news in a tweet on Friday evening, stating, “The Tamil Nadu BJP has received a nomination for the post of state president only from Shri @NainarBJP Ji.”

This leadership transition follows the tenure of K. Annamalai, who led the party in Tamil Nadu with notable accomplishments. Acknowledging his contribution, Amit Shah said, “As the President of the Tamil Nadu BJP unit, Shri @annamalai_k Ji has made commendable accomplishments. Whether it is carrying the policies of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji to people or the programs of the party from village to village, Annamalai Ji’s contribution has been unprecedented. The BJP will leverage Annamalai Ji’s organisational skills in the party’s national framework.”

Earlier, Annamalai publicly confirmed he was not in the running for the State president post, signalling a smooth leadership handover within the party.

Political Journey and Background

At 64, Nainar Nagenthran brings with him a wealth of political experience. He began his legislative career with the AIADMK, first getting elected to the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 2001 from Tirunelveli. During the AIADMK regime under the late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa from 2001 to 2006, he held key portfolios including Transport, Industries and Electricity as a Minister.

He retained his Assembly seat in 2011 but was not inducted into the cabinet. In both the 2006 and 2016 Assembly elections, he narrowly lost the Tirunelveli seat by just a few hundred votes. Following the passing of Jayalalithaa in 2016, Nagenthran made a pivotal move by joining the BJP in August 2017.

In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, he was elected again from Tirunelveli—this time as a BJP candidate—and was appointed the BJP Legislature Party Leader in the Assembly. His presence in the legislature offered the BJP a significant foothold in a region traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties.

Despite his strong Assembly record, Nagenthran faced setbacks in national politics. He contested and lost in the 2019 and 2024 general elections from Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli Lok Sabha constituencies, respectively.

Endorsements and Party Support

Nagenthran’s nomination received broad support from the party’s leadership in Tamil Nadu. BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh officially announced his candidacy at Kamalalayam, the party’s State headquarters. Chugh stated, “We have received nominations for the post of State president from Nainar Nagenthran, proposed by K. Annamalai, L. Murugan, Pon. Radhakrishnan, H. Raja, Vanathi Srinivasan, V.P. Duraisamy, Kanagasabapathy, Pon. V. Balaganapathy, K.P. Ramalingam, and Narayanan Thirupathy.”

This unanimous support underlines the party's strategic consolidation ahead of possible renewed ties with the AIADMK, as well as its broader goals in Tamil Nadu’s evolving political landscape.

A New Phase for BJP in Tamil Nadu

Nagenthran’s elevation to State president comes at a time when the BJP is keen on expanding its influence in Tamil Nadu. His experience as both a seasoned legislator and former Minister places him in a key position to steer the party’s regional ambitions. With backing from both the party high command and senior state leaders, his appointment is expected to mark a new phase in the BJP’s organisational dynamics in the state.

As the party eyes closer collaboration with the AIADMK and prepares for upcoming elections, Nagenthran’s leadership is anticipated to play a vital role in shaping the BJP's strategy and outreach in Tamil Nadu.