Bengaluru: Over a year after he suddenly quit the police force, former Karnataka cadre IPS officer K. Annamalai has now joined the BJP to “serve” the people of his home state, Tamil Nadu.
“I found that the BJP was the best fit for me. This decision was taken after careful consideration,” he told ThePrint over the phone.
The officer who earned the title of ‘Singham (lion)’ in Karnataka for being a strict officer with a “heart of gold” — after the titular character played by Ajay Devgn in a 2011 Bollywood blockbuster — joined the BJP Tuesday.
Annamalai has decided to contest the 2021 assembly polls in Tamil Nadu.
“I tried postponing my decision to join active politics as I did not want to lose my freedom. But in the last two months, I realised that political change is as important as social change,” he said.
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The BJP gambit
In 2019, after a nine-year career, Annamalai resigned from his post as the deputy commissioner of police in South Bengaluru, saying he sought to serve the people. He had said at the time that he would consider politics when the time is right.
Speaking to ThePrint about this, Annamalai said he was faced with the apprehension that by joining a political front he might lose his identity, his freedom to speak out or do social work. He runs a non-profit, ‘We The Leader’, in his native place Karur in Tamil Nadu.
After much deliberation, he said, he found that the BJP was the “perfect fit” and took the plunge.
Asked about his choice of BJP, which has a negligible presence in Tamil Nadu, versus the strong Dravidian parties, Annamalai said the present leaders in the state have moved away from the ideals set by greats like Annadurai, Periyar, and even former chief minister and AIADMK supremo M.G. Ramachandran.
He said the BJP has been misinterpreted in Tamil Nadu, and he wants to help change that perception.
“You can still be a good person, be yourself and the party (BJP) will welcome you. You need not change your colours to adapt yourself to a party. That was what attracted me most,” he added.
The Modi factor
The police officer-turned-politician said he admires PM Narendra Modi, who has been giving the country a “new direction”. Looking to be a part of that change, Annamalai said, he can make a difference by plunging into the political arena in his own state.
“Modi ji is a big inspiration. He has brought in a lot of change since he took over as PM and I draw inspiration from his selfless work,” the former IPS officer said.
But he added that his “new way of life should and will not interfere” in his aim to help his community and society. “I will not compromise on my ideals and will not change myself just because I have joined a political party,” said Annamalai.
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If he is a real Singam, he will come out of politics in a year. Or he might not be the person whom he is boasted to be.
It is becoming increasingly clear that those are poor in math and science are joining Congress and those who are strong in math and science are joining BJP.
The biggest problem facing the Nation is Corruption in Administration and it’s percolation into the society. Upholding Values of Honesty and ethics in Public life is the need of the Hour and the Call of the Nation. Entering of Young people with such qualities are Welcome sign to India which is entering to its Youth . Long live Values of Morality & Ethics in Public Life.
Singham was inspired from movie Singham of Tamil Industry , Hero Surya acted in it and was remaked by Ajay Devgan afterwards
So kindly give the credit correctly don’t show partiality to one industry as if only it is the industry of India
regional films are much better than the remaked films of bollywood from regional films
Yes he’ll definitely fight the polls against NOTA …?
Hats off to you Mr. Annamalai. It takes courage to do what you have embarked upon.
In Delhi there are many ridge areas where peacocks live naturally. Even in JNU there are peacocks. They live there naturally. So not necessarily this peacock was a pet peacock.
Good Decision. All those who want to serve India should be in BJP.
This IPS officer made a difference to bangalore, he is the reason many poor people were able to get justice. Welcome sir onboard your new career!