Tue Jul 15 17:06:09 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The article discusses the ongoing rift between PMK founder S. Ramadoss and his son, current PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, focusing on how this internal conflict threatens the party’s performance in the upcoming 2026 Assembly election. Despite hopes of reconciliation following Anbumani’s mother’s visit, a large-scale protest planned in Villupuram against the DMK government’s failure to implement the 10.5% Vanniyar reservation is expected to further strain relations. Insiders express concern over the fatigue among party members due to the feud and the potential impact on voter support. There is a glimmer of hope that a women’s conference planned for August might help bridge the divide.

**News Article:**

**PMK Feud Deepens, Threatening 2026 Election Prospects**

**CHENNAI – July 15, 2025** – The internal power struggle within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) between founder S. Ramadoss and his son, president Anbumani Ramadoss, shows no signs of abating, raising serious concerns about the party’s ability to perform well in the 2026 Assembly election.

Despite initial optimism fueled by Anbumani’s mother’s recent visit, planned demonstrations targeting the DMK government for its failure to implement the 10.5% reservation for Vanniyars within the Most Backward Classes (MBC) quota are poised to exacerbate the existing tensions. The protest, scheduled for July 20th in Villupuram, the same district where S. Ramadoss resides, will mobilize 50,000 workers, significantly reducing chances for rapprochement.

Sources within the PMK reveal growing weariness among the party cadre due to the ongoing conflict. “Fatigue has set in among the party cadre because of the feud, and this could affect the party’s performance in the 2026 Assembly election,” noted one insider.

PMK spokesperson K. Balu highlighted the significance of the planned protest, drawing a parallel to a 1995 event where S. Ramadoss endorsed M. Karunanidhi.

While some within the party hope for a resolution, particularly with a women’s conference planned for August 10th, others fear the damage is already done. One senior PMK leader stated, “Who is going to be the biggest loser if the party’s vote share dwindles and voters switch to other parties? It is going to be Dr. Anbumani who is the future of this party.” The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the PMK can overcome this internal strife and maintain its political relevance.

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