Dr S. Ramadoss is poised to unveil a new political party, signaling a significant split within the PMK as tensions with his son, Anbumani Ramadoss, escalate ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The announcement, scheduled at Thailapuram Estate in Tindivanam, is expected to formalize a longstanding leadership dispute that has now evolved into a complete political division. This move follows a series of disagreements, organizational turmoil, and mounting pressure within the PMK.
The crisis deepened after the Election Commission recognized Anbumani Ramadoss as the legitimate party leader, granting him control over the PMK name and its iconic “mango” symbol. Dr. Ramadoss contested this decision in court, seeking to maintain his authority over the party he established. However, the court ruled against him, dealing a significant blow and hastening his decision to create a separate political entity.
Having exhausted legal options, Dr. Ramadoss is now gearing up to test his political influence independently. He has allied with a new group supported by V.K. Sasikala under the banner of the All India Revolutionary Leader Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam to participate in the upcoming Assembly elections. Meanwhile, Anbumani Ramadoss has swiftly consolidated his position within the PMK, aligning his faction with the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and securing 18 seats as part of the alliance, positioning himself as the party’s official representative in the forthcoming electoral contest.
These developments have sparked uncertainty and apprehension among PMK members throughout Tamil Nadu, leaving many grassroots workers unsure about which faction to back. The split is anticipated to directly impact the party’s traditional support base, particularly in the northern regions where the PMK has traditionally wielded influence. Efforts are already underway to register the new party with the Election Commission of India.
Mukilan, the son of PMK General Secretary Anbazhagan, has reportedly submitted an application for the name “Ayya Pasarai Makkal Katchi,” likely to be abbreviated as “Ayya PMK.” Dr. Ramadoss’s formal announcement later today is expected to signify a pivotal moment in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape ahead of the Assembly elections.
