Chennai: In a significant move to curb internal dissent, Tamil Nadu BJP state president K Nainar Nagendran has issued a strict directive against what he termed “war room politics” within the party.
The warning came during a consultative meeting of the BJP media wing executives at Kamalalayam, where Nagendran expressed concerns about 15 specific X (formerly Twitter) accounts allegedly operating with an “Annamalai bias.” These accounts have been actively posting content supporting former state president Annamalai while criticizing AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS).
The BJP has now established a new “Media Empower Network” committee to closely monitor social media activities of party members and workers. Nagendran emphasized that the party would take strict action against members who continue posting content that either supports individual leaders or attacks alliance partners like the AIADMK. This move is widely seen as a direct message to Annamalai’s loyalists, marking a clear shift in the party’s internal dynamics since the leadership change.
Annamalai’s Controversial Digital Legacy Comes Under Scanner
The crackdown highlights the lingering tensions from Annamalai’s tenure as state president (2021-2024), during which the BJP saw significant growth in southern Tamil Nadu but also developed what critics called a “parallel digital ecosystem.” Party insiders reveal that rather than operating as the official BJP digital team, Annamalai had maintained what was colloquially referred to as his “personal war room.” This group allegedly targeted not just opposition figures but also BJP members who disagreed with Annamalai’s strategies, with prominent leaders like Gayathri Raghuram and CTR Nirmal Kumar publicly acknowledging this trend.
The term “war room politics” entered BJP’s internal lexicon during this period, referring to the aggressive social media campaigns that often bypassed official party channels. Surya Siva, a close aide of Annamalai, had previously defended these tactics as necessary for the party’s growth. However, with Nagendran’s ascension and the BJP’s recent electoral performances, the leadership appears keen to present a more unified front, especially when dealing with alliance partners like the AIADMK.
New Committee to Enforce Social Media Discipline Ahead of Crucial Elections
The newly formed Media Empower Network will specifically track BJP members’ social media engagements, ensuring compliance with the party’s official stance. Nagendran’s directive makes it clear that the BJP can no longer afford internal divisions or unauthorized attacks on allies like the AIADMK, especially with crucial Assembly elections approaching.