Thu Jan 08 07:32:46 UTC 2026: ### Headline: PMK Founder Disputes Son’s Alliance, Claims Sole Authority Over Negotiations

The Story:

A power struggle within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has erupted into public view. On January 8, 2026, PMK founder S. Ramadoss publicly refuted his son Anbumani Ramadoss’s announcement that the party would join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu for the upcoming 2026 Assembly election. S. Ramadoss asserted that he alone holds the authority to negotiate and finalize electoral alliances on behalf of the PMK.

Key Points:

  • The dispute became public January 8, 2026, following Anbumani Ramadoss’s announcement of an alliance with the AIADMK-led NDA.
  • S. Ramadoss called his son’s actions a “mockery” and “contempt of court,” claiming authorization rests solely with him, according to party laws.
  • Ramadoss alleges some party members defected to his son’s side for monetary gain.
  • He maintains that the party will proceed with alliance talks under his leadership.
  • He claims that the party’s General Council and Executive Council authorized him to decide on electoral alliances.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PMK is facing a significant internal crisis, potentially weakening its position in the 2026 Assembly election.
  • The father-son feud introduces uncertainty and confusion among party cadres and voters.
  • The AIADMK’s alliance strategy is complicated by the internal conflict within a potential coalition partner.
  • The dispute could lead to a formal split within the PMK.
  • The Election Commission’s view of Anbumani as PMK chief is a crucial element impacting Ramadoss’s claims of authority.

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