Wed Oct 22 19:13:37 UTC 2025: News Article:
PMK Power Struggle: Anbumani Poised to Lead Alliance Despite Father’s Resistance
Chennai, October 23, 2025 – A power struggle within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) is intensifying as supporters of Anbumani Ramadoss express confidence that he will be recognized as the party’s leader within the AIADMK-BJP alliance for the upcoming state elections, despite ongoing differences with his father and PMK founder, S. Ramadoss.
Recent meetings between Anbumani Ramadoss and BJP Tamil Nadu election in-charge, Baijayant Panda, coupled with Panda’s visits to AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and S. Ramadoss, have fueled speculation about alliance negotiations. While officially dubbed “courtesy calls,” Anbumani’s loyalists believe these interactions signal a preference for his leadership.
K. Balu, spokesperson for the Anbumani-led faction, emphasized the overwhelming support Anbumani enjoys within the party, citing the loyalty of key office bearers, a majority of PMK MLAs, and the Election Commission of India’s recognition of his extended tenure as president.
However, sources close to S. Ramadoss maintain that he remains fully engaged in party activities and will announce any alliance decisions at the general body meeting on December 30. They dismiss the Anbumani-Panda meeting as unrelated to alliance negotiations and insist that the PMK will only negotiate with the AIADMK.
Complicating matters is the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK)’s strong opposition to any potential PMK-DMK alliance, seemingly ruling out that option for the senior Ramadoss.
Meanwhile, a BJP leader has expressed hope that the father-son conflict will be resolved before the elections. The BJP views PMK as a desirable alliance partner and wants a leader in place who can make a decision and take a call on the selection of candidates.
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