Ramadoss firm as PMK members demand Anbumani’s reinstatement

Chennai

PMK founder and President S. Ramadoss has firmly decided to take complete control of the party, despite calls from a section of party members and senior functionary G.K. Mani to reinstate his son, Anbumani Ramadoss, as the party chief.

Mani, who has worked closely with S. Ramadoss for nearly 45 years, described the decision as sudden and unexpected. He emphasized the importance of the party remaining united as it prepares for the upcoming 2026 Assembly election. I hope both Ayya (S. Ramadoss) and Chinna Ayya (Anbumani) can resolve their differences amicably and face the election as a unified force, Mani said.

On April 10, Ramadoss announced that he would take full control of the party, demoting his son, Anbumani, from president to working president. The reshuffling, according to Ramadoss, is aimed at strengthening the party in preparation for the 2026 Assembly elections.

However, the announcement has sparked discontent within the party. Anbumani, a former Union Minister, is reportedly unhappy with the move, as he had been hoping to play a larger role in the party as its president. Some party members and Ramadoss' family also support the idea of reinstating Anbumani as the president.

I did not approach senior Ramadoss immediately after the announcement to avoid upsetting him, said Mani, acknowledging the sensitivity of the situation. The internal rift within the party has raised concerns about its unity ahead of the crucial elections.