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Key Points

Anbumani Ramadoss has reshuffled the PMK's leadership in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. He appointed SP Venkateshwaran as the new floor leader, replacing long-time leader GK Mani. The move signals a consolidation of power under Anbumani's presidency amid internal party divisions. The Speaker's upcoming decision will formally recognize this new leadership structure.

Key Points: Anbumani Appoints SP Venkateshwaran as PMK Floor Leader Replacing GK Mani

  • Anbumani Ramadoss consolidates leadership with new PMK legislative team appointments
  • Veteran leader GK Mani replaced after 25 years leading the party wing
  • Expelled MLA R Arul seeks enhanced security for founder S Ramadoss citing party crisis
  • Speaker M Appavu's decision will formally determine PMK's legislative strength
2 min read

Anbumani names SP Venkateshwaran as PMK floor leader in TN Assembly

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss names SP Venkateshwaran as new floor leader, replacing veteran GK Mani in a major party reshuffle ahead of 2026 polls.

"We have relieved him only from the post of floor leader - PMK spokesperson K. Balu"

Chennai, Sep 25

In a significant shake-up within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) legislative wing, party president Anbumani Ramadoss has formally informed Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu that Dharmapuri MLA S.P. Venkateshwaran will take over as the party's floor leader, replacing long-time leader and Pennagaram MLA G.K. Mani.

In a communication sent to the Speaker on Thursday, Anbumani said the change was decided unanimously at a meeting of PMK MLAs held in Panaiyur near Chennai on Wednesday.

Alongside Venkateshwaran's elevation, Mettur MLA S. Sadhasivam has been named deputy floor leader, and Mailam MLA C. Sivakumar has been appointed the party's whip in the Assembly.

The decision comes amid internal divisions in the party.

Mani, who led the PMK for 25 years until 2023 and remains close to party founder S. Ramadoss, currently commands the loyalty of two of the five PMK MLAs.

The majority of the legislative party is now backing Anbumani's leadership.

Addressing reporters at the Secretariat, PMK spokesperson K. Balu - a key supporter of Anbumani - said a separate letter was submitted to the Speaker's office reiterating the party's earlier expulsion of Salem West MLA R. Arul and his removal from the whip's post.

"Arul should be considered only as an MLA and not as a representative of the party," Balu said.

He also presented a copy of the Election Commission of India's communication recognising Anbumani as the PMK president.

The party has asked the Speaker to allot a front-row seat for Venkateshwaran, signalling its intent to consolidate its legislative presence under Anbumani's leadership.

When asked about removing Mani, Balu acknowledged his long service but said some of Mani's recent remarks went against party discipline and interests.

"We have relieved him only from the post of floor leader," he said.

Meanwhile, in a parallel development, expelled MLA R. Arul petitioned the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary seeking enhanced security for founder S. Ramadoss.

Arul cited "crises and ambiguous situations" within the party and frequent travel by Ramadoss, requesting additional protection measures, including a metal detector at his Thailapuram residence.

The Speaker is expected to take a call on the PMK's communications in the coming days, a decision that could determine how the party's legislative strength is formally recognised ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
PMK always seems to have internal drama before elections. Hope this doesn't affect their work for the people of Tamil Nadu. The Vanniyar community deserves stable leadership.
S
Sarah B
As someone following Tamil politics from outside, this seems like a typical generational shift. Anbumani is young and wants his own team. But removing experienced leaders might backfire.
K
Karthik V
The way they're asking for front-row seat shows this is more about symbolism than substance. Real leadership should focus on development work, not just Assembly seating arrangements.
M
Michael C
Interesting political dynamics here. The expelled MLA asking for enhanced security for the founder suggests there might be more tension than what's publicly acknowledged. Tamil politics never disappoints for drama!
A
Ananya R
Hope the Speaker makes a fair decision. With only 5 MLAs, they shouldn't be fighting among themselves. Unity is important for regional parties to have any impact in the Assembly. 🙏

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