NewKerala.com

Veteran Panruti Ramachandran Launches MGR ADMK, Stays Out of Poll Fray

Veteran politician and former Tamil Nadu Minister Panruti S. Ramachandran has announced the formation of a new political party called the MGR Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MGR ADMK). The 88-year-old leader stated the party will not directly contest elections but its members can align with like-minded parties or run as Independents. He outlined the party's core philosophy, emphasizing a shift from identity politics to ideology-based politics. Ramachandran, a seasoned administrator with a career spanning over five decades, has served as a minister for nearly 15 years under both DMK and AIADMK governments.

Key Points: Panruti Ramachandran Launches New MGR ADMK Party

  • New MGR ADMK party launched
  • Will not directly contest elections
  • Members free to ally with other parties
  • Core philosophy is ideology over identity
  • Veteran leader has 50+ year political career
2 min read

Ex-Minister Panruti S Ramachandran launches MGR ADMK, rules out electoral contest

Former TN Minister Panruti S. Ramachandran launches MGR ADMK, says party won't contest elections but members can ally with others.

"Politics of identity must be replaced by politics of ideology. - Panruti S. Ramachandran"

Chennai, Feb 19

Veteran politician and former Tamil Nadu Minister 'Panruti' S. Ramachandran on Thursday announced the formation of a new political outfit, the MGR Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, marking yet another chapter in his long and eventful public life.

Addressing journalists in Chennai, the 88-year-old leader said the party would be formally inaugurated at a state-level conference in Kancheepuram on February 23.

Unveiling the party flag bearing black, white and red colours, Ramachandran said the new organisation would work towards building a society that ensures equal opportunities for all.

"Politics of identity must be replaced by politics of ideology," he said, outlining the core philosophy of the MGR ADMK.

Though the party would not directly contest elections, he clarified that its members would be free to align with like-minded parties during polls and could contest as Independents if they wished.

Responding to questions on the upcoming Assembly election, Ramachandran opined that the main contest would be between the DMK and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

He also dismissed suggestions that his decision to float a new party had been taken under pressure from any political leader, firmly rejecting speculation linking the move to recent developments in state politics.

A seasoned administrator, Ramachandran has served under both the DMK and the AIADMK during the leadership of stalwarts M. Karunanidhi and M.G. Ramachandran in the 1970s and 1980s.

He was a Minister for nearly 15 years, handling key portfolios including Transport, Local Administration, Electricity and Food. Originally an engineer with the then Tamil Nadu Electricity Board for eight years, he entered the Assembly in 1967 from Panruti on a DMK ticket.

He went on to win the constituency six times - twice as a DMK candidate, thrice representing the AIADMK, and once on a PMK ticket. Over the decades, he was associated with several political formations, including heading the People's Liberal Party and later serving as presidium chairman of the DMDK. Despite electoral setbacks in recent years, Ramachandran's latest move signals his continuing engagement in Tamil Nadu's evolving political landscape.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
A true veteran! Served under both Karunanidhi and MGR. That experience is priceless. His point about "politics of ideology over identity" is a noble thought. But in the heat of elections, will voters listen? Hope this sparks some meaningful debate.
S
Suresh O
Interesting move. By not contesting directly, he avoids splitting votes and can act as a kingmaker or ideologue. Smart strategy for an elder statesman. The flag colours (black, white, red) are intriguing—wonder what they symbolise.
A
Anjali F
Respectfully, sir, with due respect to your service, we need fresh faces and new ideas, not another party with an old leader's name (MGR). The youth connect is missing. The vision for equal opportunity is good, but how will it be implemented?
K
Karthik V
From DMK to AIADMK to PMK to DMDK and now MGR ADMK! 🎭 This shows the fluidity of Tamil Nadu politics. He's seen it all. His prediction that the main fight is DMK vs TVK (not ADMK) is a big statement. Let's see if he's right.
M
Michael C
Following Tamil politics from abroad. The veteran's engineering background and long administrative experience (Electricity, Transport) is impressive. Maybe this non-electoral platform can focus on policy advocacy, which is badly needed. Good luck to him!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50