Father vs son showdown: Who calls the shots in PMK?
Anbumani defies Ramadoss, reaffirms Thilagabama as treasurer, directly taking on his father, while hinting at holding party elections amid surging support
The power struggle within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) intensified as party chief Anbumani Ramadoss openly challenged his father and party founder S Ramadoss, fuelling questions about who really controls the PMK.
In a defiant move, Anbumani reaffirmed M Thilagabama as treasurer, directly countering Ramadoss’ decision to oust her and appoint Syed Mansoor. Adding to the turmoil, Ramadoss announced the expulsion of Mailam MLA S Sivakumar, a known Anbumani supporter, from the party.
Also read | Anbumani and his wife 'forced' BJP-PMK alliance on me, alleges Ramadoss
Addressing a meeting with Thilagabama seated prominently beside him, Anbumani declared, “Mrs Thilagabama, duly elected by the general council, will continue as treasurer. I urge all functionaries to extend their full cooperation to her.” He further underscored his legitimacy, stating, “I was formally elected as PMK president by the general council on May 28, 2022, in Chennai, in the presence of Dr Ramadoss.”
Near-unanimous turnout
Party seniors highlighted that, as per PMK bylaws, only the president can sign the critical ‘B Form’ for election nominations, giving Anbumani significant authority.
The meeting saw robust support with 22 of 23 invited revenue district presidents of the party attending. The lone absentee, a former serviceman, was unavailable due to pension-related matters. This near-unanimous turnout contrasts sharply with the last week’s meeting called by Ramadoss, where 80 per cent of functionaries failed to attend, prompting his dramatic remark, “I am already dead.”
Amid the escalating tensions, former PMK president H Rajendiran, popularly known as Dheeran, met with Ramadoss in an attempt to mediate and find a compromise, though the outcome of these discussions remains unclear.
Party elections on cards
Sources indicate that Anbumani enjoys the backing of 90 per cent of PMK functionaries, reflecting a significant shift in loyalty. With party bylaws mandating internal elections every three years, Anbumani is planning to conduct these elections once he secures full support from all factions.
Also read | PMK youth wing chief Mukundan resigns amid family tensions, backs Anbumani
The father-son clash, now compounded by Sivakumar’s expulsion and Dheeran’s mediation efforts, has placed the PMK at a crossroads. Anbumani’s push for unity, grassroots engagement, and adherence to party bylaws, alongside his move to reinstate Thilagabama, signals his resolve to stay in control.
