PMK Leader S. Ramadoss Hospitalized After Campaign Collapse in Salem
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Salem (Tamil Nadu), April 12 (NationPress) In the midst of an escalating internal conflict within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) as Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approach, the party's founder, S. Ramadoss, was admitted to the hospital on Sunday after he collapsed during a campaign event in Salem district, raising alarm among his followers and party members.
The PMK has been experiencing a significant leadership split between Ramadoss and his son, Anbumani Ramadoss, who is currently the party President. Both leaders are operating separately, each asserting their own influence over the party.
Currently, Anbumani Ramadoss's faction is aligned with the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), while S. Ramadoss has opted for a different political path, linking himself with the AIADMK faction that supports V. K. Sasikala, a close associate of the late former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.
In a bid to promote his independent candidacy, Ramadoss had previously declared a separate roster of candidates running under his banner.
On Sunday, he officially commenced his campaign by rallying support for PMK candidate Arul in Pallapatti, within Salem.
During a public gathering, Ramadoss appealed to voters to back Arul and energetically engaged with the audience. Eyewitnesses noted that he seemed lively while addressing the crowd. However, moments after finishing his speech and stepping off the stage to head to his next location, he suddenly reported feeling unwell and collapsed, causing immediate panic among those present. Party workers and volunteers rushed to assist him, supporting him to prevent a fall.
He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital in an ambulance.
The occurrence led to a brief uproar at the rally site, with supporters voicing their worries about his health. His daughter Sreekanthi, candidate Arul, and several senior members of the party accompanied him to the hospital.
According to hospital sources, Ramadoss is currently under medical supervision and receiving treatment. More information about his condition is anticipated.
This incident has further complicated the already tense political landscape within the PMK as the critical Assembly elections draw near.