PMK Founder Takes Legal Action Against Son's Leadership
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing power struggle within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), party founder Dr. S Ramadoss has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging the Election Commission of India's recent declaration. The ECI had ruled that office-bearers of the party, including his son Anbumani Ramadoss as president, would remain valid until August 1, 2025.
Court Battle Looms as Family Conflict Intensifies
Speaking to reporters after chairing a district council meeting at Vadalur in Cuddalore district on Saturday, Ramadoss expressed confidence that the high court would hear his case on Monday. "No court can take away my rightful ownership of the party," he asserted, revealing that ECI officials had privately advised him to seek judicial intervention, suggesting there was "no honesty or integrity" in how the dispute was being handled.
The senior leader made serious allegations against his son, claiming that Anbumani's term as party president had already expired following his election at the May 28, 2022 general council meeting in Tiruvallur district. He accused his son of cheating party cadres and allegedly "buying over" the ECI and some leaders with money to maintain his position illegally.
Father Declares Son's Political Career Over
Launching a blistering attack, Ramadoss declared that Anbumani's political journey "has ended" and predicted that only after this conclusion would the PMK experience genuine growth. He compared his son to a man sitting on a thin branch of a massive banyan tree while cutting its trunk, warning that Anbumani would inevitably fall while the party, with its thousands of roots, would continue to thrive.
"He has snatched away my rights and is trying to take over a party that I built by visiting 96,000 villages over 46 years," Ramadoss lamented. However, he remained confident that his son could never defeat him, citing strong support from the people of Tamil Nadu who he claimed knew the truth about the situation.
Future Plans and Community Focus
Despite the internal turmoil, Ramadoss announced plans for a renewed struggle for the Vanniyar community's reservation rights. He revealed preparations for a December 12 protest demanding "10.5% internal quota within the backward classes" and promised that the party would win more MLAs and even ministers in upcoming elections.
Calling for unity among party workers, the PMK founder asserted that justice, righteousness, and victory were all on his side in this bitter family and political conflict that has captured Tamil Nadu's attention.
