NewKerala.com

Key Points

The PMK faces deepening turmoil as Anbumani Ramadoss announces parallel district meetings, openly challenging his father Dr S. Ramadoss. The senior Ramadoss has begun a major reshuffle, dismissing dozens of leaders including loyalist K. Balu. Balu, however, pledged allegiance to Anbumani, signaling a clear factional divide. With both sides asserting authority, party cadres remain split over the PMK's future direction.

Key Points: Anbumani Ramadoss Defies Father with Parallel PMK Meetings Amid Leadership Crisis

  • Anbumani Ramadoss declares district meetings starting June 15
  • Dr S. Ramadoss removes 49 district secretaries
  • K. Balu sacked but backs Anbumani
  • Tensions rise as both factions assert control
2 min read

PMK leadership crisis deepens as Anbumani Ramadoss announces parallel meets

PMK leadership rift widens as Anbumani Ramadoss announces district meetings while Dr S. Ramadoss reshuffles party posts.

"No one except me can sack party functionaries – Dr S. Ramadoss via Baskaran"

Chennai, June 11

The internal rift within the PMK escalated as a defiant Anbumani Ramadoss announced a series of district-level general council meetings, even as party founder Dr S. Ramadoss continued to overhaul key leadership positions.

In a clear act of defiance against his father’s authority, Anbumani declared that general council meetings would be held in ten districts starting June 15, beginning with Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu. The meetings will focus on party development, a membership drive, and booth-level committee formation.

Anbumani will attend all meetings as a “special invitee”, according to a statement issued from his official handle on X, captioned “PMK headquarters announcement”.

In a symbolic move, Anbumani designated his former residence in T Nagar, Chennai, as the party headquarters, signalling his intent to assert independent leadership.

The meetings are expected to be attended by district presidents, secretaries, office-bearers, and other special invitees aligned with Anbumani’s camp.

Meanwhile, Dr S. Ramadoss has launched a sweeping reorganisation of the party. As of Tuesday, he had removed 49 district secretaries and 27 district presidents. Among the high-profile changes was the sacking of senior leader and legal wing president K. Balu, a long-time loyalist who has stood by Ramadoss through decades of legal challenges.

Balu was replaced by advocate V.S. Gopu. Despite his dismissal, Balu issued a statement reaffirming his commitment to the party under Anbumani’s leadership. “Ayya (Ramadoss) has commended me on several occasions. I will continue to work as a loyal cadre for the party’s growth under Anbumani,” he said.

Tensions flared further when Anbumani sacked Karur district secretary Baskaran, who had publicly questioned his authority as merely a “working president” to dismiss functionaries. Following his removal, Baskaran met with Dr Ramadoss at his Thailapuram farmhouse near Tindivanam on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Baskaran quoted Ramadoss as saying, “No one except me can sack party functionaries,” and reaffirmed his position as Karur district secretary.

The parallel moves by father and son have deepened the leadership crisis in the PMK, with each asserting their authority in separate spheres.

As the conflict continues to unfold, party cadres are left divided over the future direction of the Vanniyar-based political outfit.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Suresh K.
This father-son drama is hurting PMK's image in Tamil Nadu politics. Instead of fighting for control, they should focus on serving the Vanniyar community that has supported them for decades. Unity is strength! 🤝
P
Priya M.
Anbumani is showing political maturity by taking initiative. Every leader needs space to grow beyond their parent's shadow. But declaring parallel meetings is too aggressive - could have handled this more diplomatically.
R
Rajesh V.
As someone from North Chennai, I've seen PMK's work for our community. This infighting will only benefit DMK and AIADMK. Dr. Ramadoss should gracefully pass the baton - after all, he groomed Anbumani for leadership.
L
Lakshmi S.
The way Balu was removed after decades of service shows how ruthless politics can be. But his dignified response is admirable - "Ayya has commended me..." shows real class. Hope younger politicians learn from this.
K
Karthik N.
Both leaders are making strategic mistakes. Anbumani by being too confrontational, and Dr. Ramadoss by not recognizing changing times. In today's politics, you need fresh energy along with experience. They should find middle ground.
A
Ananya P.
Interesting to see how this plays out before 2024 elections. PMK has been a kingmaker in TN politics. If they remain divided, it could change political equations completely. Other parties must be watching closely! 👀

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50