Ex-Puducherry minister quits BJP after being denied election ticket

In a dramatic turn ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections, former minister and BJP functionary AK Sai J Saravanankumar has resigned from the party, citing internal hostility and political jealousy.

Saravanankumar, who served in the AINRC-led coalition government , confirmed that he has relinquished his primary membership and all party responsibilities . The resignation comes just days after he was denied a BJP ticket to contest from Oussudu constituency , where the party has now nominated legislator E Theepainthan .

In a resignation letter sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi , BJP national president Nitin Nabin , and other senior leaders, Saravanankumar made it clear that his decision was driven by hostility from local party leaders in Puducherry , rather than any grievances with the party’s national leadership. “The reason for resignation is the hostility that those in key positions of the party in Puducherry have shown towards me,” he said.

He also raised concerns over caste-based barriers within the party , claiming that efforts were made to prevent “a person belonging to a lower caste” from advancing politically. Saravanankumar further noted that while many party workers continued to support him, internal rivals and members of other parties acted out of jealousy over his growth .

When asked about joining another party, including actor Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) , Saravanankumar declined to comment , leaving his future political moves uncertain.

This exit adds a fresh layer of tension in Puducherry’s electoral landscape, highlighting the ongoing intra-party dynamics and personal rivalries that could shape the BJP’s performance in the upcoming polls.