K. Annamalai, the former BJP State President, has started to reshape how Tamil Nadu thinks about its identity—and where it fits in India’s future. His line—“Tamil Nadu needed Periyar for a point of time, but needed Bharathiyar all through”—has caught fire among his supporters. They see it as more than a clever phrase. It’s a balancing act: respecting the state’s past social struggles but moving the conversation toward something bigger.
By putting Subramania Bharathiyar at the center of his vision, Annamalai isn’t just picking a side in old debates. He’s pushing for a broader, more inclusive idea of what it means to be Tamil. One that honors local roots, but isn’t afraid to reach for national ambition.
Bharathiyar: Heartbeat of Tamil Nationalism
For the Tamil Nadu BJP, Bharathiyar is the ideal symbol. He stands at the crossroads of language, faith, and patriotism. Annamalai brings him up to remind people—Tamil pride has always been essential to India’s story, not separate from it. Bharathiyar’s poetry doesn’t shut people out. It’s not about drawing lines. Instead, he celebrates a Tamil identity that’s rich, spiritual, and always connected to the idea of a united India. Annamalai also spotlights Bharathiyar’s early fights for women’s rights and caste equality—proof that social progress and cultural tradition don’t have to be at odds.
Taking a Fresh Look at Periyar
Annamalai doesn’t dismiss Periyar or his legacy. He acknowledges the impact of the social reformer and the self-respect movement, giving credit where it’s due. But he draws a line: social justice has to keep moving forward. “We respect the social corrections of the past, but the youth of today seek a vision that is not just about looking back at grievances, but looking forward to global opportunities,” says a senior BJP official. The message is clear—honour history, but don’t get stuck in it.
BJP as the Disruptor of Dravidian Politics
With the 2026 Assembly elections getting closer, the BJP is making a bid to break the DMK and AIADMK’s long grip on power. This isn’t just about numbers or alliances—it’s about offering something new. DMK leans on the old Dravidian model and ramps up anti-Hindi messaging. BJP counters with the “Three-Language Policy,” which, they argue, gives students a leg up in the global job market.
AIADMK faces internal leadership battles and shifting alliances. BJP responds by promising ideological clarity and a direct pipeline to Central Government projects.
TVK, led by Vijay, brings star power and Gen Z energy. Annamalai doesn’t shy away from the challenge. He’s betting the BJP’s deep organizational network will outlast celebrity buzz.
Development, Not Just Debate
Annamalai keeps shifting the focus from identity politics to what he calls aspirational politics. He’s called out the DMK’s economic claims, pointing instead to the Center’s PLI (Production Linked Incentive) schemes—arguing these have powered Tamil Nadu’s recent manufacturing boom, especially in electronics and automobiles. By championing a vision inspired by Bharathiyar—proudly Tamil, deeply Indian—the BJP is reaching a younger generation tired of the old North vs. South fights. Annamalai isn’t just trying to win seats. He wants to change the definition of Tamil identity for a new era. By blending social awareness with national energy, the party is pushing a simple idea: being a modern Tamilian means being at home in both Tamil Nadu and a rising India.
