Is S. Ramadoss Set to Launch a Statewide Tour Amid PMK Tensions?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- S. Ramadoss is launching a new campaign titled 'Gramaigalai Noki Payanam'.
- The PMK is facing significant internal divisions.
- Both S. Ramadoss and Anbumani are campaigning separately.
- The rift has legal implications regarding the party's name and symbol.
- Unity is crucial for success in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Chennai, Sep 11 (NationPress) Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S. Ramadoss is gearing up to initiate a statewide initiative named 'Gramaigalai Noki Payanam' as the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approach next year.
The itinerary for this tour is anticipated to be announced soon, signifying another phase in the ongoing power struggle within the party.
This development coincides with his son and current PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, who is already engaged in a separate campaign. Since July 25, Anbumani has been traversing various districts, connecting with the populace under the banner of the 'Tamil Nadu People's Rights Retrieval Yatra'.
The independent campaigns of both leaders have highlighted the deepening divisions within the party, leading to a split among cadres and supporters.
The rift between father and son has intensified since a significant general council meeting in December held in Villupuram, which became a pivotal moment. During this meeting, Ramadoss declared his grandson Mukund as the leader of the youth wing, a decision that Anbumani vehemently opposed.
The conflict escalated further during the Vanniyar Sangam conference in May, where Ramadoss reaffirmed his position as the PMK's supreme leader, claiming authority over all critical election-related decisions. This effectively marginalized Anbumani, who has been defined merely as the party's general secretary.
Since that time, the two factions have operated almost as rival entities.
Both sides have called separate general council meetings, issued parallel appointments, and made competing assertions regarding the party's official structure.
Legal battles have ensued over the ownership of the party's name and its election symbol—the mango.
A motion filed by the Dr. Ramadoss faction in the Madras High Court is expected to be heard soon, setting the stage for yet another round of confrontation.
As Tamil Nadu edges closer to the Assembly elections, the internal strife within the PMK seems far from resolution.
With both leaders intent on asserting their dominance and securing grassroots loyalty, the upcoming months may see the party facing challenges in unifying before the electorate.