Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has criticised what he described as a “Gujarat-centric model” of development under the BJP-led NDA government, arguing that investments, technology projects and major events cannot be concentrated in one state.
Speaking at the India Today Tamil Nadu Round Table in Chennai on Monday, Annamalai, who now heads the We The Leaders movement, said decision-making in the BJP had become increasingly “Delhi-centric” and called for greater authority for state-level leaders.
“I believe the decisions of the BJP are becoming Delhi-centric, so it is very unfortunate. That has to change,” he said.
Annamalai then criticised what he called the “Gujarat-centric model of Delhi development”, referring to Gujarat being the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
“You can't have all the AI companies going there or wafer companies going there, 2030 Commonwealth Games going there, 2030 police games going there, 2036 Olympic Games going to Ahmedabad,” he said.
He said Gujarat should not become the default destination for opportunities pursued in the name of all-India development.
Gujarat has emerged as a major destination for semiconductor investments, with Tata Electronics, Micron and CG Power among companies setting up projects in the state. Ahmedabad is also set to host the 2029 World Police and Fire Games and the 2030 Commonwealth Games, while India is pursuing its bid to host the 2036 Olympics with Ahmedabad as its proposed host city.
Annamalai also spoke about Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, saying the new government should be given time to establish itself. He said he had seen a “fresh breath” during its first 100 days and believed it was committed to fighting corruption.
“One year we have to give him space,” Annamalai said. “It is our duty to give him the space, duty to help him carry on his vision.”
He added that Vijay currently had his support, saying, “As of now, Vijay has my support because I am doing what a genuine Tamilian should do.”