K. Annamalai quits BJP; submits resignation letter to Nitin Nabin
Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party and submitted his resignation letter to BJP national president Nitin Nabin during a meeting in New Delhi. The development is being seen as a significant moment in Tamil Nadu politics and has sparked widespread speculation about Annamalai’s future political plans. Annamalai also reportedly held discussions with senior BJP leaders, including Amit Shah and B.L. Santhosh, regarding his role within the party and his political future. Sources suggest that disagreements over the BJP’s alliance strategy in Tamil Nadu, particularly its partnership with the AIADMK, may have contributed to his decision to step down. A former IPS officer, Annamalai became one of the BJP’s most prominent leaders in Tamil Nadu and played a key role in strengthening the party’s presence through aggressive campaigns and grassroots outreach initiatives across the state. His resignation is being viewed by many supporters and political observers as the end of an important phase for the Tamil Nadu BJP. At the same time, posters and social media campaigns promoting a possible “new movement” have already started appearing in several places. Political analysts believe Annamalai’s next step could influence the opposition landscape in Tamil Nadu ahead of upcoming elections, especially if he launches a new political platform with a nationalist vision. Although he has not officially announced the formation of a new party, Annamalai has indicated that he will soon speak publicly about his future plans.
“Arrest me if you want; TMC will protest even without permission”: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly criticized the BJP while announcing statewide protests by the All India Trinamool Congress on June 2. She declared that the party would continue its demonstrations even if permission was denied by authorities. During a public address, Mamata Banerjee said, “Arrest me if you want; TMC will protest even without permission,” accusing the BJP of trying to silence opposition voices in West Bengal. She also warned that “Delhi-backed power will not last in Bengal,” highlighting the growing political confrontation between the state government and the Centre. The Chief Minister further alleged that Abhishek Banerjee was attacked during the agitation and claimed he was denied proper treatment despite the state government renewing the license of Apollo Hospitals six months earlier. Her remarks added another layer to the ongoing political dispute between the TMC and the BJP. The TMC has announced protest programs across different parts of West Bengal, with party leaders accusing central agencies and BJP supporters of targeting opposition workers. BJP leaders, however, rejected the allegations and accused the TMC government of attempting to create unrest for political advantage. Mamata Banerjee’s remarks come amid rising political tensions in West Bengal ahead of upcoming elections. Both the TMC and the BJP continue to accuse each other over issues related to law and order, political violence, and administrative control in the state.
40 fake Hindu Babas arrested in Haridwar
Police in Uttarakhand have launched a major crackdown in Haridwar under “Operation Kalanemi,” targeting individuals accused of posing as Hindu sadhus to deceive devotees and carry out illegal activities. So far, 40 fake ‘Babas’ have been arrested for allegedly cheating pilgrims and trafficking cannabis and hashish. According to officials, many of the accused were moving around religious and pilgrimage sites disguised as holy men while secretly engaging in criminal activities such as drug peddling and financial fraud. The operation has been intensified ahead of the Kanwar Yatra season to prevent exploitation of devotees visiting the state. “Operation Kalanemi” was initiated on the instructions of the Pushkar Singh Dhami government to identify and act against people misusing religious appearances and sentiments for unlawful purposes. Police teams are conducting searches across different areas to track down more such impostors. Authorities have said strict legal action will continue against anyone found exploiting faith, cheating the public, or running illegal drug operations under the guise of religion. Police officials stated that the campaign against fake Babas will continue in the coming days.