In the clearest indication that the feud between S. Ramadoss and Anbumani Ramadoss is not close to being resolved yet, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss held the party’s Governing Body meeting in Chennai even as his father and party founder held the executive council meeting in Dindivanam here on Tuesday.
However, what caught everyone’s attention was Dr. Ramadoss’ decision to allow his eldest daughter, Srigandhi, onto the stage and demand that the PMK be a part of the coalition government in the State, which was later incorporated in the resolutions.
Flanked by his loyalists G.K. Mani, Dheeran and A.K. Moorthy, Dr. Ramadoss said that he alone would have the power to sign on Forms A and B for the party’s candidates and that he alone would have the power to decide on the alliance in the upcoming 2026 State Assembly elections.
“Those who built the party and the Sangam….and those who understand and know my pain…you have come here. Those who haven’t come…around 95% well-wishers…are watching from home. Even they will understand my pain,” said Dr. Ramadoss, adding: “The majority of those who have travelled with me in this journey since the founding of the party and Sangam…experienced hardships in prison…are still with me.”
He added: “We will contest the elections as a part of the alliance and I have been given the authority to decide on the alliance. We have started the work to select candidates to contest. Prepare to hand over applications as candidates. I will be the one to sign your Forms A and B.”
On the other hand, Dr. Anbumani discussed strategies with various office bearers to ensure that the padayatra, which has been planned from July 25 across Tamil Nadu, is successful. Sources close to Dr. Anbumani said that they have nothing to worry about the meeting held by Dr. Ramadoss as the ‘meeting was not binding on the party’.
“The general body can be convened by the President and general secretary of the party. The party Founder needs to be invited and based on his guidance, the general body meeting needs to be conducted. However, his guidance can be opposed, accepted or altered. The general body is the ultimate,” he said.
The party resolutions said that PMK will organise a protest on July 20 against the DMK for not implementing internal reservations for Vanniyars and resolved to ensure that the padayatra is a huge success.
Published – July 09, 2025 12:20 am IST
