Tue Sep 16 16:08:09 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
A power struggle is brewing within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). G.K. Mani, a supporter of founder Dr. S. Ramadoss, is challenging the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership under Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss. Mani alleges an improper change of the party address to Anbumani’s residence, questioning the validity of meetings held under Anbumani’s leadership. He asserts that Dr. S. Ramadoss has been elected as the party president. Conversely, PMK spokesperson K. Balu, aligned with Anbumani, dismisses Mani’s claims as baseless and damaging to Dr. Ramadoss’s reputation, defending the address change and the legality of the party proceedings.
**News Article:**
**PMK Embroiled in Leadership Dispute as Factions Clash Over Party Control**
**VILLUPURAM, September 16, 2025** – A significant rift has emerged within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), with a faction led by G.K. Mani, a staunch supporter of party founder Dr. S. Ramadoss, challenging the current leadership under Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss.
Mani, speaking to reporters near Tindivanam, alleges that the recent change of the PMK’s official address from Teynampet, Chennai, to the Tilak Street residence of Anbumani Ramadoss is a deliberate attempt to deceive the public. He further questioned the legitimacy of a general council meeting convened by Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, asserting that it lacked the necessary approval from the party founder.
“The permanent address change amounts to cheating. The general council meeting convened at Mamallapuram is invalid,” stated Mani, adding that the PMK administrative committee has elected Dr. Ramadoss as the new party president.
Responding to these allegations, PMK spokesperson K. Balu, a supporter of Dr. Anbumani, vehemently rejected Mani’s claims as baseless and detrimental to the reputation of Dr. Ramadoss. Balu clarified that the address change was officially communicated to the Election Commission of India (ECI) in 2022 and has been the party’s headquarters since then. He also refuted Mani’s claim that founder approval was required for general council decisions, citing party by-laws.
“There is no truth in the charges, which would only diminish the stature of Dr. Ramadoss,” Balu said, insisting that the ECI’s communication supports the current leadership.
The dispute raises serious questions about the future direction of the PMK and the potential impact on the party’s political standing in Tamil Nadu. The Election Commission of India has yet to officially weigh in on the matter. The power struggle highlights the complex dynamics within the party as it navigates a generational shift in leadership.