BJP leader Annamalai steps down from party position, citing father's health condition

Former Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has decided to step down from his responsibility as an election in-charge of six Assembly constituencies in the poll-bound Tamil Nadu, citing his father's health condition.

While talking to the media on February 3, he said that he informed Tamil Nadu BJP leadership about his decision.

"I have made a request to them, including TN BJP President Nainar Nagendran about my inability as I have to be with my father. I have to take care of my father, who is under dialysis. I consider it my first duty. I have told them (the BJP leadership) that I cannot take up travel this time. I hope the party will accept and will reallocate them (constituencies assigned to him) to others," he said.

Annamalai was appointed as the election in-charge for Assembly constituencies - Singanallur, Virugambakkam (Chennai), Karaikudi, Srivaikuntam, Madurai (South) and Padmanabhapuram (Kanniyakumari) in Tamil Nadu.

Responding to a query, Annamalai said the current situation does not allow him to take up travel for poll-related work. "I have conveyed this to the party leadership. They too understood my situation. At the same time, I have told them that I will be ready to do whatever they tell me to do for the party. I am willing to work for the candidates of our party and alliance parties," Annamalai said.

He also said that the party would designate a leader as a replacement for him. When asked whether he would be contesting the polls, he said, "I will inform you what the party tells me to do."

Meanwhile, Killiyoor Congress MLA Rajesh Kumar took a swipe at Annamalai's decision by saying, "He (Annamalai) is suffering from poll fever."

"Since he got election fever, he tendered his resignation from his responsibility. At any cost, Lotus (the BJP symbol) will not bloom in Kanniyakumari," he said.

"Due to this election fever and his fears of poll defeat, I think he has tendered his resignation," he told reporters.