Asus is completely working on AI, but is not imposing it on anyone.

Two years into AI PCs, the category is still making more noise than it should. Every OEM is shipping NPUs. Every keynote is an AI keynote. The Topps count has moved from headline feature to spec-sheet boilerplate. Buyers are being asked to pay a premium for capabilities most of them have yet to find a reason to use.Amidst that noise, individual OEMs are arriving at their own answers as to what AI on personal computers is really for. At Computex 2026, Asus Arrived with something quite specific.The company branded its entire lineup as Ubiquitous AI. AI runs across every product line and every category on the show floor – from the entry-level VivoBook to the ProArt Creator laptop on Nvidia’s new RTX Spark platform. Tying it all together was a new agent called Zenny Claw.But on the sidelines of the show, TimesofIndia.com sat down with Sascha Krohn, Asus’ technical marketing director, and the framing he personally offered was more cautious than the booth suggested. Krohn, who has been Asus’ public voice on technology strategy in several Computex cycles, thinks AI is incorporated into every product the company offers. He also believes that the customer should be the one to decide what to do with it. Both parts of it were intentional, he said in different forms through the conversation.

Everything gets AI. Whether people use it or not is their decision

“We’re all working on AI and this is a big story for us,” Krohn said. “Ubiquitous AI is one of the themes here. We’re bringing AI into everything. It doesn’t matter whether it’s cloud or on-premise AI or edge AI, and now even hybrid solutions like our Zeni Claw agent. We’re all on AI. For every product line, for every product.”A few minutes later, without prompting, he added the second part: “We are not imposing this on our customers. We are enabling it. We are offering options for them. If they don’t want to use it, that’s completely up to them.”He kept coming back to that idea again and again through conversation. AI is in the device because the platform supports it. Whether the user accesses it or turns it off is up to them. It’s the same with customization—what to let it see, how much to let it do. Pressed on whether Asus was simply riding the agent wave that ran through nearly every announcement at Computex 2026, he didn’t dodge. “We are all working on AI. But we are not imposing it on our customers. “We’re enabling it.”The silicone at the bottom of the lineup is what really makes that option count. The Windows laptop sector was an Intel-AMD duopoly for most of the last decade. Qualcomm broke it. Now Nvidia has also come. Four platforms mean four sets of capabilities, and four ways for Asus to match the chip to what the buyer is actually doing with the machine rather than picking a default and applying it everywhere.“It’s a really exciting time. There are more options than ever,” Krohn said. “If you’re an engineer and work at Asus, why do you go to Asus? You don’t want to just do the boring, new platform, easy work every year. You want to do something different and new, and maybe even a little bit crazy.”So the ZenBook 14 now comes with both Snapdragon X and Intel Lunar Lake variants. The ProArt P16 and P14 come on Nvidia’s new RTX Spark mobile platform. AI capability is what drives the entire pricing ladder – VivoBook at entry, VivoBook S in the middle, S Flip with OLED and metal a step up, ZenBook at the top. The buyer chooses the chip, form factor, price point. The AI ​​shows up regardless.What that AI actually looks like is partly Microsoft’s call and partly Asus’s. The Copilot+ floor is the part that no Windows OEM can avoid – Microsoft’s features come with the platform – although Microsoft has also been quietly working on some of this for the past year, pulling Copilot integrations out of apps it had already pushed them into and shelving plans for system-level additions. It turns out that users are not accessing AI as often as marketing had assumed.On top of that floor, Asus adds its own implementation. StoryCube is for creators who want to organize their footage before editing. Zeni Claw Agent is for buyers who want the device to handle routine tasks in the background. Different features for different users. On Krohn’s account, which of them the buyer actually reaches out to is the buyer’s call.

Hardware is what remains

A day before the interview, Asus’ Design Center in Taipei told us about the new ZenBook series. HW Wei, Associate VP at ADC, described the design language as a counterweight to what the company is selling at the time.“We always think about nature-inspired, nature-to-design,” Wei said. “Why nature? Because it’s really hard for us, especially in today’s AI age. People are wondering is it real or not? But when a lot of this type of concise information comes to humans, humans always look at it. Which one will be more comfortable for us? So nature will be our answer.”I asked Crohn about it. The hardware intentionally reads the physical while the software runs in the opposite direction. How does the company keep the two together?He replied, “I would say it’s AI capable.” “Whether you use that functionality or not is entirely up to you. And what you use it for, too. When it’s something physical, it’s there. It’s always there. But when it’s software or features, it’s something you can use or not use. You can turn it on or off. You can customize it.”This is the line that connects the positions together. AI is optional. The device itself is not there. Two years of agents and co-pilots and NPUs have made one thing clear, which is that the software layer is the part that will keep changing. Hardware is the part the buyer commits to. Asus, seeing where it does its slow work, has decided which makes more sense.To help keep up with the betting, Krohn has read up on AI himself, which is pretty old-fashioned. It’s a tool, he kept saying, in different forms. People decide what to do with it. This is what makes “enabling, not propelling” actually mean something – AI can be optional because the device doesn’t need to cause someone to buy it, and the buyer doesn’t need to be told what to do with it.

UK targets student visa abuse with tough new rules for universities / Image: File

Universities in England could face restrictions on recruiting foreign students or even lose their sponsorship licenses under new government plans aimed at tackling abuse of the student visa system.The measures, announced by the UK Home Office on Wednesday, are part of a wider immigration strategy unveiled by the Labor government as it seeks to reduce net migration while maintaining Britain’s position as a leading destination for international education.Under the proposals, universities sponsoring foreign students would be required to meet strict compliance standards. Ministers argue that institutions should take more responsibility for ensuring that students entering the country on study visas actually complete their courses.

UK visa compliance rules

The Home Office said universities would face stricter performance requirements under the revised sponsorship framework.Currently, institutions must maintain a visa refusal rate below 10%, ensure that at least 90% of sponsored students enroll in their courses and achieve at least an 85% course completion rate.Under the new plans, the visa refusal threshold will be reduced to 5%, while the enrollment rate will increase to 95% and the course completion rate to 90%.Universities that fail to meet these standards may face Home Office intervention and, in the most severe cases, restrictions on their ability to admit international students.The department said the reforms aim to strengthen confidence in the student visa route and prevent abuse by individuals using study visas for purposes other than education.

Visa abuse and asylum claims

The announcement comes amid increased political focus on migration levels and concerns about individuals entering the UK through legal routes before later claiming asylum.According to the Home Office, a significant proportion of asylum claims in recent years have come from people who originally arrived on work, study or visitor visas.Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp said Britain would continue to welcome genuine international students but stressed that the immigration system must remain strong.“We welcome international students and recognize their enormous contributions to our universities, communities and economy,” he said.“But institutions that benefit from international recruitment must also play their part in ensuring that the system is not abused.”The government argues that stronger oversight will help protect the integrity of both the immigration system and the UK higher education sector.

New rating system for universities

As part of the reforms, ministers plan to introduce a new traffic-light style assessment system for universities that sponsor international students.Institutions will be graded according to their compliance performance, allowing regulators to identify providers that may require additional monitoring or intervention.Universities falling into the lowest performing category may be required to implement improvement plans and may face limits on future foreign recruitment if standards do not improve.The Home Office said the new approach is designed to increase transparency and encourage institutions to maintain strong recruitment and monitoring practices.Officials say the system will not affect universities that consistently meet sponsorship requirements.The proposals have drawn a cautious reaction from university leaders, who broadly support efforts to combat cheating but warn against policies that could deter genuine students. Professor Malcolm Press, Chairman of Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University, said that institutions are committed to maintaining the integrity of the student visa system.He said international students make a significant contribution to the UK economy and academic sector, driving research, innovation and supporting local communities across the country.Universities UK has previously estimated that international students contribute tens of billions of pounds annually to the British economy through tuition fees and wider spending.The region is already facing financial pressure after the number of foreign students fell following previous immigration reforms, which along with most international students included a ban on dependents.

What will happen next?

The government says more details on implementation will be published in the coming months, with the new framework expected to be phased in over the next academic cycles.For prospective students, the immediate impact is likely to be limited. However, education experts say universities may be more selective in recruitment as institutions seek to meet strict compliance targets.The announcement underlines the challenge facing ministers as they attempt to balance two competing objectives: reducing abuses of the immigration system while preserving one of Britain’s most successful export sectors.For now, the message from the Home Office is clear, international students are welcome in the UK, but universities will face greater scrutiny over how they recruit and support them.

The FIFA World Cup is often considered the stage where the biggest stars shine and try to make an impact on their respective teams. Teams depend on these players as a source of inspiration and magic during the tournament.

However, this year many big names will be out of the tournament due to injuries due to which they will be out of the tournament for a long time. While some are expected to be ready before the start of the new season of club football, others will only return towards the end of the year.

These stars will definitely be missed at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and we will take a look at their injuries and the length of time they have been out of action.

rodrigo

The biggest name to drop out of the World Cup this year is Rodrigo. He was a key part of the Brazil squad in 2022 and was expected to feature in the tournament despite his poor form for Real Madrid.

However, he tore his ACL during a league game against Getafe in March this year, meaning his season and World Cup dream was over.

Rodrigo is expected to be out for 8 to 10 months, which means he will return to the field by the end of the year.

hugo akitike

Hugo Ekitike has had a sensational start to life at Liverpool and his form has more or less guaranteed him a place with France at this year’s World Cup. With 11 goals in 28 matches last season, Ekitike was expected to form a strike force alongside Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele to terrorize defenses at the World Cup.

But the striker ruptured his Achilles tendon during Liverpool’s Champions League clash against PSG and underwent surgery to repair the problem. Ekitike is expected to be out for a long time.

Mohammad Qudus

The 2022 World Cup was a breakout campaign for Mohammed Qudus as he shone on the big stage with Ghana. Following the move to Tottenham Hotspur, the Ghanaian forward was expected to switch into a new gear.

But Spurs’ season quickly unraveled and Kudus found himself injured. The 25-year-old suffered a quadriceps injury in January and a setback in March, meaning he will miss the upcoming World Cup.

fermin lopez

Along with Gavi and Pedri, Fermín López was expected to form a new force in midfield for Spain at this World Cup. With 13 goals and 17 assists in 48 appearances for Barcelona this season, Fermín was expected to burst onto the scene this time around.

Unfortunately, the 23-year-old’s dreams of playing in the World Cup were cut short as he suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot and underwent surgery to repair the problem.

He is expected to be out for a few months and, fortunately for Barça, should be back in time for the new season. But his creativity and flair will be a big miss for Spain, who are aiming to secure their second World Cup title.

eder militao

Eder Militao has been a utility defender for Real Madrid and Brazil for years and that was expected to be his role at this World Cup.

The Brazilian defender has suffered major injuries during his career, but the current injury could end his career. Militao suffered a hamstring injury that was so serious, his surgeon said surgery was the only option to preserve his career.

“What I can say is that his injury was very serious. The only option was surgery: with that hamstring injury, he could not continue his professional career at the highest level. The decision was clear. We are very sorry that as a result, he will not be able to participate in the World Cup this summer,” Militao’s surgeon told Marca.

Militao’s absence is a major blow to Brazil and their bid to become six-time World Cup champions.

xavi simmons

Xavi Simmons has not had a good start to life in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur as the midfielder struggled to make an impact.

Despite this, Simons has proven to be a point of difference for the Netherlands, often being his creative outlet. He played just one game during Qatar 2022 and was expected to have a successful campaign at this World Cup.

Unfortunately, Simmons tore the ACL in his right knee during a league game for the Spurs in April and is expected to be out for an extended period of time.

He underwent surgery, but is expected to be out until the end of the year to recover from the problem.

– ends

Yogalates is a hybrid fitness practice that blends the mindful breathing, flexibility, and spiritual foundation of yoga with the core-strengthening and posture control of Pilates.

A blend of ancient yoga and modern Pilates, Yogalates is gaining popularity across NCR. Providing the benefits of both strength and cardio training, fitness instructors are emphasizing yogalates as an easy workout that keeps you fit. Physiotherapist and pilates trainer Dr. Rifa Khan shares, “Where yoga focuses on flexibility and mindfulness, pilates focuses on core strength, control and precise movements. Yogalates combines these into a single efficient workout session, so it’s the best of both worlds.”what is yogletsYogalates is a hybrid fitness practice that blends the mindful breathing, flexibility, and spiritual underpinnings of yoga with the core-strengthening and posture control of Pilates. It provides a balanced, low-impact workout that tones muscles while reducing stress and improving mobility.

A blend of ancient yoga and modern Pilates, Yogalates is gaining popularity across NCR

‘Yoglets can be tailored to suit different fitness levels’Himanya Kundnani, a yoga instructor who recently started organizing YogaLets, shares one of the major reasons why people are attracted to workouts. “In yoga, people often feel frustrated if they are unable to perform advanced poses, and some people struggle with Pilates if they lack strong core strength. Yogalates takes the pressure off because the exercises can be modified according to a person’s fitness level. It combines the benefits, helping to improve cardiovascular health as well as core strength.“delivers more in less timeYogalates instructor Monishita Ghosh, who recently conducted a workshop for beginners at Lodhi Gardens, says, “NCR is fast becoming the abode of young working executives in the formative years of their careers. They are always short of time but want to maintain their physical fitness. For their lifestyle, where time is limited and health goals are extensive, Yogalates provides an effective solution. As fitness trends evolve, many people are looking for workouts that deliver more results in less time.“

“Yogalets require minimal equipment and can even be done online from the comfort of your home,” says Yogalates instructor Monishita Ghosh.

‘Suitable for all ages’People today are more aware of moving their bodies with intention — not just to get a workout, but to actually feel better physically and mentally. “Gen Z is far more aware and curious about fitness, nutrition and overall wellness. They’re not just doing things for aesthetics – they’re thinking about long-term health, mental wellness and sustainability. They’re also more open to experimenting with different formats like Yogalates, which makes this generation very exciting from a fitness perspective,” notes yoga instructor Rashmi Ramesh, who conducts online Yogalates classes.She shares, “I’ve noticed that women between the ages of 25 and 45 are a large part of the community. Because Yogalates is low-impact and adaptable, it works equally well for someone who wants to build strength in their 30s or for someone in their 50s who wants to stay mobile, active, and pain-free.”

Most sessions are performed on a standard exercise mat, although instructors may sometimes use props such as yoga blocks, resistance bands, or exercise balls.

‘Yoglets help me concentrate’While the workout focuses on the two methods, it also motivates people to start their fitness journey. Niharika Gupta, 28, attended a women-only Yogalates workshop in April and has started doing yoga since then. “I work from home, so it’s hard to leave the desk and work out. But Yogalates has helped me physically and mentally. I’ve really started paying attention to my health. The laughter and amazing stories from the women there felt healing for my mental health.Talking about her first Yogalates session, Joy, a 34-year-old expat from Taiwan who has been living in Delhi for a year, shares, “The workout was easy to follow and very beginner-friendly. The early morning Lodhi Garden was still incredibly pleasant. The sun was just starting to rise when we started our session. The whole atmosphere was calm and serene. It felt less like a workout and more like reconnecting with nature. With every breath, I Felt more refreshed and refreshed.”

Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran

New Delhi: Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran on Friday said the departure of former state president Annamalai will not cause any loss to the party. His comments came after Annamalai’s resignation from the BJP was formally accepted earlier in the day.Addressing reporters after Annamalai’s exit, Nagendran said, “There is no damage.” His comments came soon after Annamalai announced the launch of a new political movement and confirmed that she would contest future assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.Earlier, Annamalai addressed supporters via social media and explained the reasons behind his decision to leave the BJP and launch a new political platform. The former IPS officer said he had informed the BJP leadership about his decision several months ago.“I told the party on December 4, 2025, that I am going to resign. The party asked me to finish the elections and then leave,” Annamalai said.He said he joined the BJP with the aim of bringing positive change and now believes the time has come to create a new political alternative in Tamil Nadu.“We will encourage all sections of the society to participate in the political movement. Besides, more technocrats will be encouraged to join the party,” he said.Annamalai said his proposed movement would try to bring systemic change in the political culture of the state.“We must utilize all available talents for the development of the state. To achieve this, we must change our political grammar and culture. We must eliminate sectarian politics and dynastic politics,” he said.He also stressed that politics should not revolve around individuals holding positions indefinitely.“There is no permanent MLA, MP or minister. This includes me too.” This will be our goal and the motto of our political movement.”According to Annamalai, Tamil Nadu needs another political power that can offer a different style of governance and leadership.“There is a need for another political party,” he said.Annamalai urged his supporters to remain patient as the new movement takes shape.“Whoever wants to join, let them be patient. They require a curing period, like a brick used to build the foundation of a building. Trust me and stay with me. We will definitely revolutionize Tamil Nadu and make it the number one state in the country.”He further said that the youth are looking for change and the movement will try to connect with them through modern platforms.“Our youth are hungry for change. We cannot ignore them and that is why we are reaching out to them through social media,” he said.Annamalai announced that the movement would be called the APJ Abdul Kalam Center for Ethics and Politics and would be headquartered in Coimbatore.The BJP confirmed that party president Nitin Nabin has accepted Annamalai’s resignation from the primary membership of the party.“Bharatiya Janata Party national president Nitin Nabin has accepted the resignation tendered by former Tamil Nadu state president K. Annamalai from the primary membership of the party,” the BJP said in an official statement.The development came after Annamalai visited New Delhi and held meetings with BJP president Nitin Nabin, party general secretary BL Santosh and Home Minister Amit Shah.Annamalai’s exit comes after months of speculation about his future in the BJP. The rumors gained momentum following the BJP’s poor performance in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where the party secured only three per cent vote share while contesting the elections as part of the AIADMK-led alliance.Despite recent setbacks, Annamalai is credited with significantly expanding the BJP’s presence in Tamil Nadu during his tenure as state president. Under his leadership, the party’s vote share increased from around three per cent to around 11 per cent in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.However, the BJP failed to win a parliamentary seat in the state, leading to Nainar Nagendran replacing Annamalai as the Tamil Nadu BJP chief in 2025.In recent weeks, posters urging Annamalai to return to active politics and lead a new movement had appeared in Coimbatore, leading to speculation that he was preparing to chart an independent political course.With the launch of the APJ Abdul Kalam Center for Ethics and Politics, Annamalai has now formally entered a new phase of his political career, setting the stage for a new challenge in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu.

New Delhi: Chief Minister of Karnataka DK Shivakumar on Friday reacted to Ramalinga Reddy’s resignation as minister, saying there was “nothing to worry about”. Reddy’s resignation comes days after Siddaramaiah stepped down as CM and Shivakumar was made the new Chief Minister of the state.The change of power in Karnataka took place after intense debate and discussion within the top Congress leadership, with veteran politician Siddaramaiah handing over the top post to his deputy DK Shivakumar.Speaking to reporters, newly appointed CM Shivakumar said, “No need to worry. He is a very good friend. We are the closest friends in the cabinet. We will find a solution to the problem.”CM DKS said in Kannada, “Ramalinga Reddy is my colleague and our senior leader. He said that he cannot go to the village and work. He said that I should give him some other ministerial post. I will talk to Ramalinga Reddy and make everything fine.”Earlier in the day, senior Congress leader R Ramalinga Reddy tendered his resignation, expressing strong displeasure over his allotted portfolio, just two days after taking oath in the new DKS cabinet.Reddy alleged that CM Shivakumar has taken a “U-turn” on the assurance given in 2023 regarding the Bengaluru development portfolio. According to Reddy, he was promised this department with the understanding that it would be allotted to him after Shivakumar became the Chief Minister after two and a half years.Expressing disappointment over the portfolio allocation issue, Reddy said, “I have been insulted again and again, can’t take it anymore.”He also refused to leave the party. He said, “I will remain a Congress MLA and will remain in the Congress only.” He said that he cannot go against his conscience.Reddy also mentioned his long association with the party, saying he has been with the Congress for 53 years and will remain a loyal member despite stepping down from the ministerial post.Meanwhile, the resignation coincided with Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Karnataka.

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu

israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu On Thursday he and the US President said donald trump There may be occasional ‘strategic disagreements’ on handling the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, but stressed that the two leaders remain united on key issues and maintain strong ties.Speaking in an interview with CNBC in Jerusalem, Netanyahu dismissed reports of a growing rift with Trump following recent tensions over Israel’s military operations in Lebanon.He said, “Sometimes, like the best families, we have these tactical disagreements. But we always find a way to overcome them, and we do so as good friends.”He said he and Trump agreed on key objectives, particularly preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and addressing the security threats facing Israel.“We can disagree in the morning and find consensus by afternoon,” Netanyahu said.His comments came after he lashed out at Netanyahu over Israel’s tensions in Lebanon during a phone call on Monday, Axios reports. He called Netanyahu ‘mad’ and accused him of ungratefulness.“You’re crazy. If it weren’t for me, you’d be in jail. I’m saving you. Now everybody hates you. Everybody hates Israel because of this,” Trump said, quoting the US official.Later, Trump publicly acknowledged a heated phone conversation with the Israeli leader over Israel’s continued military action in Lebanon.In an interview with the New York Post, Trump confirmed reports that he had used strong language during talks with Netanyahu, saying he was disappointed by the actions against Israel. Hezbollah complicating broader diplomatic efforts involving Iran.“I was a little concerned about their continuing fighting with Lebanon,” Trump said.However, the US President also emphasized that his relations with Netanyahu will remain strong.“We’ve worked very well together. I like Bibi very much. And I work very well with her,” Trump said.

Common target on Iran and Hezbollah

During the CNBC interview, Netanyahu said both Washington and Tel Aviv are committed to curbing the influence of Hezbollah, which he described as an Iranian proxy operating from Lebanon.Netanyahu said, “Hezbollah is an Iranian proxy that holds all Lebanese citizens at gunpoint and uses Lebanon as a staging ground to launch terrorist missiles into our cities.”He argued that any long-term peace arrangement between Israel and Lebanon would require Hezbollah to disarm and Lebanon to demilitarize.He said, “If we want to save Lebanon and achieve Lebanese-Israeli peace, we must disarm Hezbollah.”

Netanyahu calls Trump Israel’s ‘biggest friend’

Rejecting suggestions that relations between the two leaders have deteriorated, Netanyahu praised Trump for his support of Israel.When Netanyahu was asked if his relationship with Trump had changed, he said, “No.”“It’s been a very good relationship because he’s been Israel’s best friend ever in the White House,” she said.Netanyahu pointed to Trump’s past decisions as examples of that support, including recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and supporting Israel on key regional issues.The exchange comes amid ongoing efforts by the United States to balance military tensions in the region with diplomatic talks involving Iran.While Trump has expressed optimism about progress in talks involving Iran and a broader regional solution, the ongoing fighting in Lebanon has emerged as a major point of concern.Despite differences on strategy, both leaders have publicly stated that they are committed to finding a path toward common security objectives and regional stability.

New Delhi: K Annamalai resigns from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has capped months of discontent and his diminishing role within the organisation, raising fresh questions over the saffron party’s ambitions. Tamil Nadu And the political future of one of its most recognizable faces in the state.The former IPS officer, widely known as “Singham” for his aggressive political style, joined the BJP in 2020 and quickly rose in the party. He was appointed president of the party’s Tamil Nadu unit in 2021 and played a key role in expanding its presence in the state.Under his leadership, the BJP achieved its strongest Lok Sabha performance in Tamil Nadu in 2024, securing 11.4 per cent vote share, a significant improvement from 3.7 per cent in the 2019 general election. However, this momentum faded ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.

BJP’s U-turn on AIADMK

Annamalai’s 2024 padayatra significantly increased the BJP’s visibility in Tamil Nadu and helped the party achieve its highest-ever vote share in a Lok Sabha election in the state. The BJP secured 11.38 percent votes in 2024, a dramatic improvement from 3.62 percent in 2019. Yet the electoral success was incomplete, as the party failed to win a single parliamentary seat for the second consecutive election. This contradiction was particularly shocking as the BJP had managed to secure a Lok Sabha seat in 2014 with a much lower vote share of 5.56 per cent.Throughout his tenure, Annamalai distinguished himself through consistent attacks on Dravidian politics and the leaders who shaped it. His criticism was not limited to political opponents. Even when the BJP was in alliance with the AIADMK, they repeatedly targeted people from the ally’s camp, causing friction within the alliance and increasing differences between the two parties.

Annamalai’s BJP timeline

As relations deteriorated, sections within the BJP began to reevaluate the political costs and benefits of maintaining distance from the AIADMK. Ultimately, the party leadership decided to revive the alliance ahead of the 2026 assembly elections despite strong objections from Annamalai. This decision proved to be a turning point in his political journey within the BJP. Soon after, he was replaced as the state unit chief, a move widely seen as an attempt to smooth over relations with the AIADMK and adjust to the realities of coalition politics in Tamil Nadu.

outcome

Annamalai was replaced by Nainar Nagendra as state president and he gradually divested himself of important organizational responsibilities, reportedly a part of the BJP’s pre-poll pact with rival AIADMK to wrest power from the ruling DMK.The alliance was seen as a major point of disagreement as Annamalai reportedly favored building the party independently at the grassroots level rather than relying on coalition politics. The emergence of Vijay’s TVK as a significant political force further complicated the BJP’s position in the state.As a result, Annamalai stepped down as election in-charge of six constituencies and was subsequently dropped from the party’s Legislative Assembly Election Management Committee. He also did not contest the assembly elections, although he said that this decision was his own.He said, “How can the leadership allot me a ticket when I have shown no interest in contesting the elections? If I had decided to contest the elections, it would not have mattered from which constituency I could have contested.” “I am grateful to the BJP leadership for respecting my decision and giving me an opportunity to campaign in support of the NDA alliance candidates,” he said.

First public indication of results

For years, K Annamalai was largely associated with the central leadership of the BJP. This changed when he publicly criticized the Union Education Ministry’s decision to push back the implementation of the three-language requirement for Class IX students. The intervention was widely seen as his first open disagreement with the party line and led to speculation that tensions within the BJP had reached a breaking point.The controversy began when CBSE issued a notification on May 15 directing affiliated schools to introduce the third compulsory language for Class IX students from the current academic year, several years ahead of the previously scheduled 2029-30 deadline.

How Annamalai was sidelined

Reacting to the decision, Annamalai wrote on The revised notification now mandates that Class IX students learn three languages ​​from July 1, 2026, two of which must be native languages ​​of India. Expecting a Class 9 student to learn a new language in such a short period of time will only put pressure on children and affect their overall learning outcomes.“These comments are important as language is one of the most politically sensitive issues in Tamil Nadu. By openly expressing objection to the policy, Annamalai looked set to distance himself from the BJP’s official position and signal a more independent political identity.Therefore, his final resignation came out of nowhere. The seeds of discontent had been visible for some time, especially when the BJP leadership chose to revive its alliance with the AIADMK ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. Annamalai had consistently argued for building the party as an independent force in Tamil Nadu rather than relying on established regional allies.

A political experiment cut short

With Annamalai’s departure, the BJP faces a difficult question whether it has abandoned the long-term strategy before it has had a chance to mature.Although he did not lead the party in any of the assembly elections that followed his elevation, Annamalai became the most recognizable face of the BJP in Tamil Nadu and helped energize a cadre that had long been struggling for visibility. He assumed the post of state president after the 2021 assembly elections, in which the BJP won four seats with 2.62 percent vote share.By the time the 2026 elections were over, Annamalai was no longer at the top. The party’s seat tally dropped to one seat, while its vote share saw a marginal increase and stood at 2.99 per cent. With his exit, the BJP now faces the prospect of losing local leaders and grassroots workers, who were largely attracted to the party because of his leadership.The election results also revealed another reality. The overwhelming support received by Vijay and his party TVK suggested that Tamil Nadu voters were ready to embrace a new political alternative. The BJP had attempted a similar experiment through Annamalai, but ultimately chose a different path.While Annamalai never had the mass appeal of Vijay, the former IPS officer, popularly known as “Singham”, had built a strong following among young voters. His straightforward style and aggressive campaigning gave the BJP visibility it has rarely enjoyed in the state.In hindsight, the party appears to have faced a difficult choice between continuing Annamalai’s grassroots expansion strategy and joining hands with the AIADMK to form a broader anti-DMK alliance. It ultimately chose the latter. That decision may have strengthened the alliance’s arithmetic, but it also reduced the room for maneuver for Annamalai.Ironically, the combative approach that made him one of the most effective campaigners for the BJP in Tamil Nadu may also have contributed to his exit. For both Annamalai and the BJP, the question of what might have remained may remain for some time.

What’s next for Singham?

His resignation comes amid reports that he is preparing to launch a new political party with a Tamil-first and more centrist political approach. While an official announcement is expected, the possibility of a new organization with independent political space beyond the BJP has cast a foreshadowing on the saffron party’s ambitions.His departure leaves the party facing the challenge of replacing a leader whose confrontational style and direct message struck a chord with a section of young voters. For the BJP, the exit raises concerns not only about the leadership in Tamil Nadu, but also about its long-term strategy in a state where it is struggling for political relevance.