Anbumani tightens hold on PMK, but why is he not countering Ramadoss?

In a charged district secretaries’ meeting held for the second consecutive day, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss declared that the party belongs solely to its workers, not to any individual or family.

Addressing internal conflicts, he promised that he would resolve the confusion within days and shift focus to preparations for elections.

Party office address changed

Anbumani announced a change in the party’s office address, replacing it with his residential address at Thilak Street, T. Nagar, Chennai, on newly printed membership forms. This move has sparked speculation about his intent to consolidate control.

Also read: Father vs son showdown: Who calls the shots in PMK?

In a significant development, Vadivel Ravanan, a staunch supporter of PMK founder Dr. S Ramadoss and the party’s general secretary, has shifted allegiance to Anbumani’s camp. Previously, Vadivel had criticised treasurer Thilagabama for opposing Anbumani’s appointment as working president and demanded her expulsion. However, at Saturday’s (May 31) meeting, both reconciled and were seen seated together, signalling a thaw in tensions. Of the 16 district secretaries invited, 15 attended, with Salem suburban district secretary and MLA Arul absent due to health issues, as stated by Anbumani.

Anbumani stepping out of father’s shadow?

Since being named PMK president in 2023, Anbumani has struggled to make independent decisions, often overshadowed by his father, Ramadoss, according to party insiders. Tensions reportedly escalated when Anbumani insisted on deciding alliances himself, particularly his push for a BJP alliance in the 2024 parliamentary elections, which Ramadoss initially opposed but later accepted. Senior PMK leaders argue that Ramadoss’s recent criticisms of the alliance are unnecessary. The ongoing rift is seen as an opportunity for Anbumani to emerge from his father’s influence.

Despite growing support from party functionaries, Anbumani refrains from directly countering his father’s allegations. Political observers said this is to avoid alienating the Vanniyar community, where Ramadoss remains a revered figure. Anbumani’s praise of his father as the “Kuladeivam” (family deity) is seen as a strategic move to maintain political goodwill among supporters.

Why Anbumani holds upper hand

Anbumani’s confidence stems from several factors:

Party bylaws: According to PMK regulations, Ramadoss lacks the authority to appoint or remove the president. Only the general council, convened by Anbumani, can change leadership.

Also read: Anbumani and his wife 'forced' BJP-PMK alliance on me, alleges Ramadoss

Election/symbol control: As president, Anbumani has sole authority to sign the B-Form for election nominations, limiting his father’s ability to field rival candidates.

Party support: Approximately 90 per cent of PMK members back Anbumani, while Dr. Ramadoss retains only 10 per cent support.

Ramadoss’s weak position: Ramadoss’s limited leverage with the Election Commission and strained relations with the BJP leadership, following his recent criticisms, further weakened his position.

Property dispute as a bargaining chip?

Sources indicate that Ramadoss may use a family property dispute to regain control over Anbumani. He reportedly plans to divide assets into four shares — two for his daughters, one for himself and his wife, and one for Anbumani — a move that conflicts with Anbumani’s preferences. Political analysts suggest this could be Ramadoss’s strategy to rein in his son.

Also read: PMK youth wing chief Mukundan resigns amid family tensions, backs Anbumani

Mani denies allegations

Former PMK president G K Mani has been accused of fuelling the father-son rift. In response, Mani said, “Having served the party for 45 years, would I want it to disintegrate? My only wish is for Ayya (Ramadoss) and Chinna Ayya (Anbumani) to work together.” He denied spreading rumours and revealed being in a “state of despair”, contemplating drastic steps.