Karur: Former BJP state president K Annamalai on Wednesday hinted that his new movement could take a more aggressive political shape once it crosses 50 lakh volunteers, and explore the possibility of contesting local body elections.
In an 'unconventional podcast' from his agricultural farm in Paramathi, Karur district, he said 'WeTheLeader', the political movement he launched on June 5, would ensure transparency and authenticity. It currently has about 18 lakh volunteers. “The day that count reaches 50 lakh, we will ask people whether they want us to become a political party. After that, we will discuss how to take it forward, how to face local body elections, and the preparatory work required,” he said.
Annamalai said 70,000 volunteers have so far expressed interest in contesting local body elections. Of them, 10,000 have previous experience in electoral contests, primarily in local body polls. He said there is a need to equip them with training on multiple fronts, including finance, state expenditure, taxation, funds allocated to panchayats, and challenges faced at the grassroots level.
“That is why we are going to establish a Centre for Ethics and Politics in the name of APJ Abdul Kalam in Coimbatore, with world-class facilities. This will help shape candidates by providing them with the necessary awareness and knowledge. Today, many of those who have been elected are unequipped. How, then, will change come?” he said.
Saying that the movement should be people-oriented rather than cult-driven, he said he stepped away from his previous party to address issues that could not be resolved through regular politics. “In an organised political party, 90% of our time is spent on being on the defense,” he added.
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