In an important political development in Tamil Nadu, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S Ramadoss and his son and PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss clashed during the party’s General council meeting in Villupuram on Saturday.
The public rift between the two top PMK leaders has been exacerbated by their disagreement over the appointment of Parasuraman Mukundan, son of Ramadoss’s eldest daughter Gandhimathi, as the party’s youth wing chief, which has brought long-standing rifts within its first family into the open.
A major change took place at a party conference held in Pattanur, a town near Puducherry, in front of hundreds of party members and management. In this meeting there was a war of words when Anbumani came out against Ramadoss’ announcement of Mukundan’s appointment on the stage, where the two sons were sitting.
As Ramadoss called Mukundan as the head of the PMK’s new youth wing, saying he would “help” the party president, Anbumani replied: “Help for me? I don’t need it. It has not been four months since he joined the team. What experience does he have in politics? Choose someone with experience.” There was silence when Ramadoss made this announcement but Anbumani’s speech led to applause from the audience.
This drew anger from Ramadoss. “Whoever it is, they must listen to me. Those who don’t want to listen to me will not be able to continue in this group,” said Ramadoss, who seemed to be getting angry, his voice rising.
The 85-year-old PMK bishop then sought to remind the party and file of his legacy. “This is the team I built. My decisions are final. Those who did not agree can leave,” said Ramadoss, urging those who attended the ceremony to clap for the inauguration of his grandson. The applause that followed was reportedly “intense”.
A defiant Anbumani put her microphone on the table and announced her plan to open her new office in Panaiyur near Chennai. “PMK workers can meet me there anytime,” he said, challenging his father’s authority.
PMK’s politics is centered on the Vanniyar community, which is divided between the Most Backward Classes (MBC), which comprise a large number of voters in northern Tamil Nadu and some pockets in the western parts of the state.
An ally of the BJP-led NDA, the PMK has long faced allegations of nepotism. Ironically, it was Ramadoss himself who once made a vow to party members that no member of his family would take the leadership position – a promise that has not been fulfilled, as Anbumani has been promoted to the party president post in 2022.
Although Anbumani questioned the appointment of his nephew Mukundan citing his lack of experience, the former was also thrust into prominent positions by Ramadoss in similar ways. In 2004, when the PMK was an alliance of the Congress-led UPA, he was inducted into Manmohan Singh’s Cabinet as the youngest minister. At that time he was a member of the Rajya Sabha.
While Anbumani, 56, now finds herself at odds with the system that ensured her meteoric rise, Mukundan’s appointment raises concerns for Gandhi, who has been trying to find a place for her son in the party for years. Mukundan’s father Parasuraman owns several educational institutions.
“He (Gandhimathi) wanted a party ticket for his son in Cuddalore for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections,” a senior PMK leader told The Indian Express. “Later, he asked for a seat in Vikravandi area. He wanted to get Mukundan a job while his father was still alive, fearing that Anbudini might not support that after Ramadoss’ time.”
Former PMK youth wing chief Tamilkumaran, son of party leader GK Mani, resigned last year after falling out with Anbumani. Mukundan’s appointment now threatens to exacerbate internal rifts within the party, as loyalists on both sides prepare for a protracted power struggle. It could have a major impact on PMK as the party enters the 2026 National Assembly elections.
Ramadoss’ speech at the party conference also hinted that the PMK may review its alliance with the NDA. “Because we made a mistake, we must not repeat it. I will take care of the alliance decisions. I will take the call next year, before the 2026 Assembly vote. The coalition that supports us will form the government in 2026, we will have a hand in the Cabinet, some of you sitting here will also be ministers,” he said.
As the meeting ended uneventfully, Ramadoss’s last words were heard: “This (Mukundan’s appointment) is my decision. No one can change it. If you don’t agree, nothing can be done. Those who cannot agree with my decision can leave. ” …
On his part, Anbumani was more focused on strengthening the party’s power base and entered the election alone, seeking to project himself as the chief minister.
Contesting the 2021 Assembly elections in alliance with the AIADMK and the BJP, the PMK had won only five seats. The party has not been able to open its account in the Lok Sabha elections since 2009.
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