Former Union Minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss stated in the Madras High Court that he is the sole legal representative of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), emphasizing that the group supporting party founder Dr S. Ramadoss is an unrecognized breakaway faction. This declaration came during a hearing for a writ petition filed by Dr Ramadoss, seeking the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to officially assign the PMK’s “mango” symbol for the 2026 Assembly elections to his Chennai address.
Representing Anbumani Ramadoss, senior counsel N.L. Rajah accused Dr Ramadoss of trying to obtain a court order without involving his son in the legal proceedings. Rajah argued that the writ petition lacked validity without the inclusion of Anbumani Ramadoss, asserting his client’s rightful leadership of the PMK and discrediting Dr S. Ramadoss’ faction as the party.
During the court session, Rajah clarified the distinction, stating, “I am the party; they are a breakaway faction,” to the Bench’s attention. However, the Chief Justice declined to entertain the submissions, noting the absence of Dr Anbumani Ramadoss as a party in the case and advised the counsel to file for impleadment first.
Following this, Rajah agreed to proceed with the application, leading the Bench to issue notices to the ECI and the Tamil Nadu CEO, with a return date set within three weeks. The ongoing legal dispute underscores the escalating leadership crisis within the PMK as the 2026 Assembly elections approach.
