CHENNAI: Signalling a possible organisational role for K Annamalai after his exclusion from the BJP's Assembly candidates list, Union Minister and the party's Tamil Nadu election in-charge Piyush Goyal on Friday said the party would "consider" the willingness of a dedicated leader to serve across the State.

Arriving here from Delhi, Goyal told reporters at the Chennai airport that the party had fielded candidates with experience and commitment and expressed confidence that they would secure victory and enable the NDA to form the next government in Tamil Nadu.

"In the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and in the State under Edappadi K Palaniswami, good governance will be ensured. With double-engine growth and rapid progress, a better future will be created for all sections, " he said.

On Annamalai's absence from the list, Goyal avoided naming him but made a pointed remark: "A person who has worked with complete dedication for the party has expressed willingness to work across the State. The party will consider it." The comment is being seen as an indication that the leadership may assign him a significant organisational responsibility.

He added that candidate selection was based on inputs from the State unit, individual preferences, and winnability assessments.

Responding to a query on the BJP's election manifesto, Goyal said the first draft was ready and would be released soon after consultations with the high command.

When pressed further on Annamalai's role, Goyal declined to elaborate.

Later in the day, Piyush Goyal chaired the BJP's state core committee meeting at Kamalalayam, the party's Tamil Nadu headquarters, where discussions focused on the manifesto, election strategy and campaign schedule.