K Annamalai, who recently exited the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and launched his own movement called 'We the Leaders', has announced plans to convert it into a full-fledged political party by next month or July. The Tamil Nadu leader stated that the campaign is on the "right track" to becoming a political entity.
Membership Drive and Support
During a social media interaction, Annamalai revealed that approximately 18 lakh people have already joined the organisation "without any expectations." He noted that membership is growing both online and through direct grassroots outreach. Members have joined with the belief that the movement can bring significant change. "After we start this movement as a political outfit, its activities will take on a different nature from this July, and people are going to see it," he said.
Commitment to Integrity and Secularism
Claiming that the movement "will not fail, will not lie, and will not lead the people to the wrong path," Annamalai emphasised equality towards all religions. "For us, we are equal to all religions, and there is no second thought about that," he asserted.
Focus on Key Issues
Annamalai raised concerns about several issues, particularly the growing drug menace among youngsters in Tamil Nadu. He said the matter would be taken up as a mass movement at the grassroots level. He also highlighted that many technocrats and successful professionals are unsure how to enter politics. "Between 40 and 50 years of age, Tamil people who have achieved a lot across the globe, including in the US and London, do not know how to enter politics here," he observed.
Term Limits for Politicians
Once the organisation becomes a political party, Annamalai plans to introduce a "term limit" for politicians. "Discarding the very old and bringing in new must keep happening," he stated.
Background and Future Plans
The movement has attracted significant attention since Annamalai stepped away from all responsibilities and posts in the BJP following the party's poor performance in the recent assembly elections. He has positioned 'We the Leaders' as a platform aimed at bringing fresh leadership and new ideas into Tamil Nadu politics. "Our aim in the coming months is that this membership drive will keep going. As we move forward, our objective is to transform our organisation into a people's movement to talk about the various issues in the state," he concluded.
