Will Hopes of Truce in PMK Rise as Political Parties Prepare for 2026 TN Assembly Polls?

Synopsis
As Tamil Nadu's political landscape heats up for the 2026 Assembly elections, PMK's leadership struggle between Dr. S. Ramadoss and Anbumani Ramadoss raises questions about their future unity. Recent developments hint at a possible reconciliation, but will they come together in time for the elections?
Key Takeaways
- Leadership struggle within PMK between Dr. S. Ramadoss and Anbumani Ramadoss.
- Recent developments suggest a potential reconciliation.
- Mukundan has stepped down from the youth wing leadership.
- Internal consultations by Anbumani indicate efforts to consolidate power.
- The upcoming elections may be affected by the party's internal dynamics.
Chennai, June 8 (NationPress) As prominent political factions in Tamil Nadu embark on their preparations for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, the PMK is currently entangled in a power struggle between its founder, Dr S. Ramadoss, and party president Anbumani Ramadoss.
Nevertheless, recent events hint at a potential thaw in relations. Addressing journalists on Saturday, Dr S. Ramadoss played down the existing internal discord but acknowledged that differences are present.
He specifically mentioned the recent dispute regarding the youth wing leadership, confirming that the issue has seen partial resolution.
Mukundan, Anbumani's nephew and Dr. Ramadoss's grandson, who was appointed as chief of the youth wing and had faced opposition from Anbumani, has since resigned.
“Several matters have been addressed. Solutions exist for every issue,” Ramadoss remarked, indicating possible reconciliation.
When questioned about his recent discussions with RSS ideologue and chartered accountant S. Gurumurthy and AIADMK leader and former Chennai Mayor Saidai Duraisamy, Dr Ramadoss clarified that these meetings were not politically motivated.
“There were no talks about alliances. Gurumurthy is a dear friend, and my meeting with him was in that spirit. I hold him in high regard and have known him for many years. The same applies to Saidai Duraisamy,” he stated.
However, he sidestepped inquiries about his much-rumored meeting with Anbumani two days prior, suggesting he would address that later. He also dismissed speculation regarding a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, despite rumors of his presence in Chennai.
Within the party, members are caught in a tug-of-war between the founder and the president, yet many remain optimistic that a harmonious resolution will soon emerge for the sake of party unity.
Meanwhile, Anbumani Ramadoss has been conducting a series of internal discussions in Chennai over the past three days. During these consultations, he allegedly reinstated several party members who had previously been expelled by Dr. Ramadoss, signaling his intent to fortify control over the party’s organizational framework.
As alliance discussions loom and the 2026 elections approach, how the father-son duo resolves their differences could significantly impact the PMK’s political relevance in the coming months.