- K Annamalai is set to lead the first large public conference of his newly launched movement, ‘We The Leaders’, in Pollachi on Sunday.
- The event will focus on the theme “Drug-Free Tamil Nadu” and aims to spread awareness about the growing need to fight drug abuse across the state.
- This conference represents the first major public event of ‘We the Leaders’ following Annamalai’s departure from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- The conference is expected to showcase the movement’s future direction and introduce its larger plans to involve people in social causes through public participation and awareness campaigns.
- The highlight of the programme will be Annamalai’s keynote address, where he is expected to explain the objectives of ‘We The Leaders’ and present the movement’s vision for achieving a drug-free Tamil Nadu.
- Preparations for the conference began the previous week with a traditional Bhoomi Pooja ceremony at the venue on the Pollachi-Coimbatore Road.
- The conference is expected to emphasise the organisation’s campaign against drug abuse and to detail its future political roadmap for Tamil Nadu.
- On June 5 this year, IPS officer-turned-politician Annamalai announced his decision to resign from BJP membership and declared that his new political organisation would compete in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
K. Annamalai, former Tamil Nadu BJP president, unveiled his vision at the inaugural 'We The Leaders' anti-drug conference in Pollachi, emphasizing a 'Drug-Free Tamil Nadu'. The event, which began at 4 pm, is pivotal as it marks Annamalai's first major public appearance since his departure from the BJP.
The conference aims to raise awareness about drug abuse and engage the community in social causes. Organisers expect nearly 20,000 participants, with giant LED screens set up for those unable to enter the main hall. The venue showcases Pollachi's natural beauty, featuring visuals of the Aliyar Dam and local coconut groves.
Before the keynote address, cultural programs with strong anti-drug messages will be presented. Annamalai's speech is anticipated to outline the objectives of 'We The Leaders' and detail plans for long-term campaigns against drug abuse. “I am really excited,” said Amar Prasad Reddy, a supporter of the movement, highlighting the informal nature of the gathering without VIP arrangements.5
Preparations included a traditional Bhoomi Pooja ceremony, attended by hundreds, marking the foundation of the movement. Annamalai's exit from the BJP and the formation of his new political group signal a significant shift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, as he aims to compete in the upcoming Assembly elections.6
The conference is seen as a crucial step in Annamalai's strategy to mobilize public support against drug abuse and outline his political roadmap for Tamil Nadu.
“The conference, scheduled for 4 pm at Achipatti near Pollachi, is expected to draw thousands from across Tamil Nadu. Amar Prasad Reddy, former state BJP secretary, said the gathering was organized without formal invitations or VIP passes, with attendees coming voluntarily.”
The Statesman
The News Mill
