Is a Leadership Crisis Brewing in PMK as Anbumani Ramadoss Calls for Parallel Meetings?

Synopsis
As PMK faces a leadership crisis, Anbumani Ramadoss boldly initiates district-level meetings while his father, Dr. S. Ramadoss, undertakes a sweeping reorganization. Will this family feud redefine the future of the party? Discover the unfolding dynamics and implications for PMK in this compelling report.
Key Takeaways
- Internal conflict within PMK escalates.
- Anbumani Ramadoss announces district-level meetings.
- Dr. S. Ramadoss initiates significant leadership changes.
- Party divided over conflicting leadership styles.
- Future of PMK hangs in the balance amid ongoing tensions.
Chennai, June 11 (NationPress) The internal conflict within the PMK has intensified as an assertive Anbumani Ramadoss has announced a series of district-level general council meetings. This announcement comes amid ongoing restructuring efforts by party founder Dr. S. Ramadoss, who is reshaping key leadership roles.
In a bold move that challenges his father's authority, Anbumani revealed plans for general council meetings in ten districts starting June 15, kicking off with Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu. These meetings aim to concentrate on party growth, a membership expansion initiative, and the establishment of booth-level committees.
Anbumani has stated he will attend all meetings as a “special invitee,” as noted in a statement shared on his official X account, captioned “PMK headquarters announcement.”
In a significant gesture, Anbumani has designated his former residence in T Nagar, Chennai, as the new party headquarters, reflecting his intention to claim independent leadership.
These meetings are expected to draw participation from district presidents, secretaries, office-bearers, and other special invitees who align with Anbumani’s faction.
Concurrently, Dr. S. Ramadoss is undertaking a comprehensive reorganization of the party. As of Tuesday, he has dismissed 49 district secretaries and 27 district presidents. Notably, senior leader and legal wing president K. Balu, a steadfast supporter throughout many legal battles, was among those removed.
Balu has been succeeded by advocate V.S. Gopu. Despite his removal, Balu issued a statement reaffirming his loyalty to the party under Anbumani's leadership. “Ayya (Ramadoss) has praised me numerous times. I will continue to serve as a dedicated member for the party’s advancement under Anbumani,” he stated.
Tensions escalated further when Anbumani dismissed Karur district secretary Baskaran, who had openly challenged his authority regarding the dismissal of party officials. Following his ousting, Baskaran met with Dr. Ramadoss at his farmhouse in Thailapuram near Tindivanam.
After the meeting, Baskaran relayed Ramadoss's assertion, “No one except me can dismiss party officials,” and reasserted his role as Karur district secretary.
The simultaneous actions of father and son have exacerbated the leadership crisis within the PMK, with both asserting their dominance in distinct arenas.
As this conflict continues to develop, party members find themselves divided over the future trajectory of this Vanniyar-centric political organization.