Will Ramadoss Confirm His Position as PMK President at Today's Meeting?

Chennai, Aug 17 (NationPress) The ongoing power struggle within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) is approaching a critical juncture, with the Ramadoss faction organizing an essential general body meeting on Sunday aimed at officially reaffirming the party founder, Dr S. Ramadoss, as the president.

This initiative follows weeks of internal conflict between the factions led by Ramadoss and his son, Anbumani Ramadoss.

Sources indicate that the meeting is anticipated to not only validate the founder's position but also facilitate the appointment of his eldest daughter, Srikanthi, to a significant role within the party. This move, if validated, would mark her debut in an official political capacity, indicating a further entrenchment of family authority at the helm.

The recent developments follow the Anbumani camp's simultaneous demonstration of strength last week, during which it held a general body meeting and extended his presidency until August 2026. However, supporters of the founder argue that the party's senior administrative body had acted on May 29, the day after Anbumani's term lapsed, by unanimously nominating Ramadoss as president.

He took office on May 30, and the state executive committee, comprising 1,440 members, ratified this decision on July 7.

“The general body’s endorsement on Sunday will finalize the process, and the result will be officially communicated to the Election Commission of India,” a senior official elaborated.

The meeting is also expected to sanction amendments to the party bylaws, empowering the founder to assume the presidency at the conclusion of an incumbent’s term, appoint or nominate individuals to key roles, and convene both emergency and regular meetings to enhance organizational governance.

Proponents of Ramadoss contend that the party needs stability under his leadership. Salem West MLA R. Arul emphasized, “Ayya’s leadership is essential for the PMK’s resurgence. Previous alliance decisions, made against the cadre's wishes, resulted in setbacks. Henceforth, Ayya should have the final say on alliances.”

He proposed that Anbumani should either accept the position of working president or align himself as a loyal supporter. Meanwhile, three MLAs loyal to Anbumani -- C. Sivakumar (Mailam), S.P. Venkateshwaran (Dharmapuri), and S. Sadhasivam (Mettur) -- were present at Governor R.N. Ravi’s Independence Day reception at Raj Bhavan on Friday.

“We participated on Anbumani’s directives,” Sadhasivam clarified.

Interestingly, on Saturday, Anbumani and his family visited Ramadoss’ residence to commemorate his mother Saraswathi’s birthday. They spent two hours together, cut a cake, and sought blessings from their parents, despite ongoing political disputes.

Ramadoss later dismissed rumors of reconciliation, stating that no invitation had been sent to his son, as he had not consented to take on the role of working president.