Chennai, Oct 2 (NationPress) The ongoing internal conflict within PMK intensified on Wednesday as party founder Dr S. Ramadoss declared the return of Tamilkumaran, the son of the party’s honorary president G.K. Mani, to the position of president of the party's youth wing.

This decision comes at a time when a fierce leadership struggle exists between Ramadoss and his son, former Union Health Minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss.

In a statement to reporters in Thailapuram, Ramadoss revealed his choice to reinstate Tamilkumaran to lead the youth wing -- a role previously occupied by Anbumani himself.

Tamilkumaran had previously stepped down, leading to the appointment of Mukundan, Ramadoss’ grandson. However, ongoing disputes and uncertainty regarding party leadership prompted Ramadoss to bring Tamilkumaran back.

The father-son discord within PMK has been brewing for several months. Following Anbumani’s term as party president, Ramadoss announced he would assume the role until a new leader was appointed.

Anbumani’s faction protested, asserting that only the party’s general council had the authority to decide on the next president. Both factions organized separate public meetings to assert their dominance.

The situation escalated when Anbumani’s supporters filed papers with the Election Commission (EC) to nominate him as PMK president and allegedly altered the registered address of the party in Chennai without the founder’s consent.

G.K. Mani, a staunch supporter of Ramadoss, accused Anbumani’s faction of “fraudulent manipulation” and maintained that PMK’s officially recognized headquarters remains in Teynampet.

This dispute has caused confusion among members and raised alarms about the party’s preparedness for the approaching electoral contests.

Although Anbumani has a robust following among younger leaders and is perceived as the party's future face, Ramadoss maintains his moral authority as the founder and is rallying long-time supporters to retain control.

With Tamilkumaran’s reinstatement as youth wing president, Ramadoss seems to be strengthening his influence and countering Anbumani’s rising power.

Party insiders suggest that this reappointment is symbolic, signaling that Ramadoss still commands the structure and is unwilling to concede.

Observers caution that this public family dispute could undermine PMK’s negotiating power as it prepares for alliances ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where the Vanniyar community-based party has historically played a pivotal role.