Sun Jun 22 19:06:14 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A power struggle is intensifying within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) between founder S. Ramadoss and his son, current party president Anbumani Ramadoss. R. Arul, a PMK MLA, has publicly declared his continued loyalty to the founder, expressing disappointment over what he perceives as mockery of Ramadoss and senior leaders. Arul alleges a faction within the party is actively discrediting those loyal to the founder, undermining attempts at reconciliation. While Arul is open to resolving issues with Anbumani, sources close to the current president indicate reconciliation is unlikely with those whose loyalty lies “elsewhere.” The situation escalated after Ramadoss stated he would remain party president for life, reversing earlier plans to hand over leadership after the 2026 elections. Anbumani has vowed to implement his father’s ideology, and his upcoming Padayatra aims to solidify his position.

**News Article:**

**PMK Infighting Intensifies as MLA Declares Loyalty to Founder Amid Power Struggle**

**CHENNAI, INDIA – June 23, 2025** – The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) is facing a deepening internal crisis as a power struggle between founder S. Ramadoss and his son, current party president Anbumani Ramadoss, intensifies.

Salem West MLA R. Arul has publicly declared his unwavering loyalty to S. Ramadoss, criticizing the alleged mockery of the founder and other senior leaders within the party. Arul, speaking to The Hindu, expressed dismay over the treatment of veteran G.K. Mani and himself.

“For me, Doctor Ayya (Ramadoss) will always come first,” Arul stated. “Dr. Anbumani will be my leader after that.”

Arul alleges a faction within the PMK is actively working to undermine those loyal to the founder, disrupting efforts towards reconciliation. He expressed willingness to meet with Anbumani to resolve the issues, stating that a solution had been close to being achieved, with Dr. Ramadoss expressing willingness to give up his claim on party president with some conditions that were not met.

The situation escalated after S. Ramadoss recently announced he would remain party president “as long as he is alive,” reversing earlier plans to cede leadership after the 2026 assembly elections.

Sources close to Anbumani Ramadoss indicate that reconciliation with those perceived as having divided loyalties is unlikely. “Dr. Anbumani is willing to reconcile with those who have the best interests of the party in their heart and mind. But it is tough to reconcile with those whose loyalties lie beyond the party…elsewhere,” a source said.

Anbumani has vowed to implement his father’s ideology as president, and his upcoming Padayatra, scheduled to begin in late July, is expected to further solidify his grip on the party. The internal divisions raise questions about the PMK’s stability and its prospects in future elections.

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