Tensions between the party’s founder, Dr S Ramadoss, and his son, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, have been brewing for some time.
Published Sep 15, 2025 | 2:12 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 15, 2025 | 2:12 PM
PMK feud deepens. Credit: facebook.com/DrRamadoss, x.com/draramadoss
Synopsis: The PMK faces a deepening power struggle as Anbumani Ramadoss secures Election Commission recognition, claiming control over the party’s symbol and flag. His father, founder S Ramadoss, sacked him, citing disciplinary breaches, but Anbumani’s faction prevails, leaving Ramadoss’ camp weakened. The feud, marked by low attendance at Ramadoss’ meeting, highlights a deteriorating father-son relationship within the party.
The power struggle in PMK is getting deeper. Party spokesperson Balu told reporters today that “only supporters of Anbumani Ramadoss can use the party’s flag and symbol.”
He said that the general council meeting convened under Anbumani’s leadership has been recognised by the Election Commission, and all disputes within the PMK have now been resolved.
The party office at Thyagaraya Nagar in Chennai has also been recognised by the EC as the official election office of the PMK.
According to him, only those who accept Anbumani as the leader can contest under the party’s ‘Mango’ symbol or use the flag. He asserted that all rights of the party rest with Anbumani.
This comes soon after PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss announced that his son Anbumani had been sacked from PMK. However, Anbumani’s subsequent moves appear to have put the party patriarch’s camp on the back foot.
The PMK’s disciplinary committee had issued a notice to Anbumani regarding 16 charges against him and gave him multiple opportunities to respond. Since he failed to reply, S Ramadoss declared that all charges against Anbumani stand proven and relieved him from the party’s primary membership and responsibilities.
Ramadoss said that although he regretted the role of those who had helped Anbumani, he was willing to forgive them.
Speaking to reporters today at his residence in Thailapuram, the PMK patriarch said: “This is a party I started on my own. No one else has the right to claim ownership. Anbumani took a step that no one in PMK ever dared to – breaking the party’s discipline. Therefore, I am removing him from the post of Working President. Moreover, since his activities are detrimental to the party’s future growth, I am also removing him from primary membership.”
He added: “16 charges were levelled against him. Though he was given two opportunities to respond, he did not. Therefore, it is considered that the charges against him are true. From now on, no one in the party should maintain contact with him. If anyone engages in such anti-party activities, they too will face equally severe action.”
Tensions between the party’s founder, Dr S Ramadoss, and his son, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, have been brewing for some time.
On 16 May, Dr Ramadoss summoned all district presidents and secretaries to his residence at Thailapuram in the Villupuram district for a meeting. However, out of the 220 invitees, only 22 attended, signalling a major show of dissent.
Speaking to South First shortly after the meeting, PMK treasurer Thilagabama declared support for Anbumani, further underlining the deepening divide within the party.
On 29 May, Ramadoss addressed the media and launched a scathing attack on Anbumani and his wife, Sowmya Anbumani. He accused Anbumani of misguiding the party and claimed that both Anbumani and Sowmya had pleaded with him to ally with the BJP.
He went on to say that appointing Anbumani as a minister at the age of 35—against his principles—had been a mistake. Ramadoss also warned that if necessary, he would expel Anbumani from the party.
“PMK is not anyone’s personal property,” he told them. “I am the president recognised by the Election Commission. Each of you here has been elected by the general council. We will continue to serve the party as its loyal workers. Positions may come and go, but your love and support are permanent.”
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
