Does PMK Founder Ramadoss Hold Sole Authority Over Party Expulsions?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dr. S. Ramadoss asserts his authority over party expulsions.
- The PMK founder aims to protect party integrity ahead of elections.
- Dr. Ramadoss supports educational enhancements in Tamil Nadu.
- He emphasizes the need for agricultural support in the state.
- Compensation for custodial violence victims is a priority for him.
Chennai, July 3 (NationPress) The founder of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), Dr. S. Ramadoss, asserted on Thursday that the party's Working President, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, lacks the authority to expel Salem West MLA R. Arul from the party's primary membership. He emphasized that only the founder has such powers as per the party's constitution.
Speaking to the press at his residence in Thailapuram, located near Tindivanam, Dr. Ramadoss remarked that Arul remains the party’s whip in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
He pointed out that while PMK's honorary President and Legislature Party leader G.K. Mani could suggest Arul’s removal to the Assembly Speaker, the Working President cannot make that decision independently.
These statements followed Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss' public declaration of Arul's expulsion, citing accusations of breaching party discipline and damaging the party’s reputation through media statements.
When questioned about possible alliances for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Dr. Ramadoss mentioned that any decisions would be made after consultations with party members during executive and general council meetings.
“Until then, any talk of alliances is merely speculative,” he noted.
Additionally, Dr. Ramadoss praised the Tamil Nadu School Education Department’s new ‘Level Up’ initiative aimed at improving English proficiency among students. However, he recommended that the program be expanded to include students from Classes 1 to 5, alongside those in Classes 6 to 8.
On agricultural matters, the PMK founder called on the state government to ensure sufficient fertilizer supplies to achieve the revised target of 5 lakh acres for Kuruvai paddy cultivation in the delta districts.
He also urged the Tamil Nadu government to grant Rs 1 crore in compensation to the family of B. Ajith Kumar, a temple security guard who recently lost his life due to custodial violence in Sivaganga district.