ECI's Verdict Sparks Political Turmoil in PMK
The Election Commission of India has officially reaffirmed Anbumani Ramadoss as the legitimate president of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), triggering a fierce response from party founder S Ramadoss who has announced plans to challenge the decision in court. The commission's ruling, delivered on Thursday, stated that Anbumani's term as office-bearer remains valid until August 1, 2026, effectively dismissing the claims made by the senior Ramadoss.
Legal Battle Looms Over Leadership Crisis
In a strongly worded response, the Ramadoss faction declared they would initiate legal proceedings against both the Election Commission and Anbumani Ramadoss. The group alleges that forged documents were used to establish Anbumani's presidency, calling the ECI's decision a "murder of democracy".
The controversy stems from multiple representations made by S Ramadoss since September, where he claimed that Anbumani's term as president had expired on May 28, 2025, and that he himself had become the newly elected president from May 30, 2025. However, the ECI rejected these claims, instead advising the party founder to seek resolution through appropriate party forums or competent courts.
Conflicting Claims and Political Fallout
PMK MLA G K Mani, a close associate of S Ramadoss, expressed shock at the commission's decision. "This is a theft of our party," Mani told reporters, highlighting that according to party norms, elections for office-bearers are conducted every three years.
Mani revealed that Anbumani was originally elected president by the general council in 2022, with the commission being informed of this election the following day. However, the Ramadoss faction contends that the authorities are now incorrectly asserting that based on Anbumani's communication about his election by the general council in 2023, his term extends until 2026.
The political drama intensified when Mani visited the election commission on Friday, pointing out that Ramadoss had made numerous representations to the commission over the past five months regarding the leadership change. He accused the commission of providing excuses such as the Bihar election and special intensive revision for the delays in addressing their concerns.
In response to what they term as "fraud" committed by the ECI in accepting Anbumani's documentation, the Ramadoss faction has instructed party members to stage protests in front of the Election Commission office in Delhi. The ECI's official communication has been sent to both Ramadoss's residence and Anbumani's residence in T Nagar, formally acknowledging his position as PMK president.
The PMK remains a registered but unrecognized political party in India, adding significance to this internal power struggle that could determine the party's future direction and political relevance in Tamil Nadu politics.
