Chennai, March 11 (NationPress) Following Anbumani Ramadoss's recent appointment to the Rajya Sabha, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) is gearing up for a significant political transition ahead of the forthcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Sources within the party suggest that his wife, Sowmiya Anbumani, is poised to be a leading candidate.

Senior PMK officials reveal that Sowmiya Anbumani is anticipated to contest from one of the party’s established strongholds in northern Tamil Nadu.

Potential constituencies being discussed include Thiruporur, Dharmapuri, Pennagaram, and Pappireddipatti Assembly constituencies.

According to party insiders, this strategy aims to position Sowmiya as a prominent representative of the PMK in the Assembly, should she achieve electoral success.

Additionally, PMK sources highlighted that Anbumani Ramadoss shares a strong rapport with both the AIADMK and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), enhancing the likelihood of the PMK aligning with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) during the elections.

However, speculation about a faction led by PMK founder S. Ramadoss being considered for separate seat allocations within the alliance has been dismissed by party insiders as unfounded.

Leaders within the PMK noted that Anbumani Ramadoss’s move to the Rajya Sabha was a well-considered decision aimed at addressing the party's current challenges. They believe his presence in Parliament will strengthen PMK's representation in New Delhi while facilitating the emergence of new leadership in the state.

One senior leader remarked, "His election to the Rajya Sabha paves the way for Sowmiya Anbumani to become the party's face in the Assembly,” emphasizing the need for a robust statewide campaigner to effectively contest against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

Among the contenders, Thiruporur is viewed as a tactical choice due to shifting alliance dynamics and the growing influence of actor-politician Vijay, whose entry into politics is altering electoral strategies in the area.

The seat is currently occupied by S. S. Balaji from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK).

Despite potential tensions between Anbumani Ramadoss and his father, S. Ramadoss, party leaders are optimistic that Sowmiya’s charming demeanor and connection with women and younger voters could mitigate any internal conflicts.

In the meantime, during a PMK women’s wing meeting in Pallavaram, Anbumani Ramadoss criticized the DMK government for its inability to deliver on various promises made during the 2021 Assembly elections. He specifically called for the State government to implement the promised Rs 100 subsidy on LPG cylinders, pointing to rising prices, partly due to global tensions such as the Israel–Iran conflict, as a significant burden on households. He further accused the DMK of neglecting other commitments, including monthly electricity meter readings and the abolition of NEET, both of which were pivotal issues in the party’s election agenda.