Former IPS officer K Annamalai, known as Karnataka's 'Singham', joins BJP

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.

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.