BJP's state president election is a lesson to political parties

The Tamil Nadu BJP on Thursday announced elections for the new state president, as the term of the current state president, K. Annamalai, is likely to end soon. The BJP state election officer, Chakaravarthy, announced that the election for the state president and national general committee members will take place on Saturday at a wedding hall in Vanagaram, Chennai. The filing of nominations will take place on Friday afternoon, and contestants are asked to submit their completed nomination forms between 2 and 4 p.m. The election results will be announced on Saturday evening.
The party has mandated that only those who have been primary members of the party for 10 years and active members for three terms (i.e., nine years) are eligible to contest for the president post. It also mandated that the contestant should be recommended by 10 state general committee members.
As per the guidelines, Nainar Nagendran, who quit AIADMK and joined the BJP in 2017, is not eligible to contest for the post. However, Chakaravarthy said that the party’s leadership has decided to make an exception for Nagendran since he has been with the party for over eight years.
Meanwhile, Annamalai said that he will not contest the election since he joined the party only four years ago. Other senior leaders, including former Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan, Minister of State L. Murugan, former state president Tamilisai Soundararajan, Vanathi Srinivasan, and Karupu Muruganandam, might contest the election. Businessman Ayyasamy from Puliyangudi in Tenkasi might also contest.
However, with Union Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah in Chennai, discussions regarding the new state leadership will be held, though Annamalai has dismissed any connection between Shah's visit and the election.
It has also been revealed that the party has been making arrangements to organize a grand swearing-in ceremony for the president-elect on Sunday.
Sources reveal that AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s firm stand not to have an alliance with the BJP while Annamalai holds the president position was the reason behind his removal.
By Saturday evening, we will know the name of the party’s new state president. Whoever it is, it is essential to engage in healthy politics by criticizing the shortcomings of the ruling party. The election announcement is a testament to the fact that it is unhealthy to criticize one’s own alliance partners.
May a civilized and healthy political arena be established in Tamil Nadu. Advance congratulations to the new BJP leader.