In Major PMK Reshuffle, Ramadoss Reclaims Presidency, Anbumani Named Working President

PMK leadership restructuring follows months of simmering tensions between father Ramadoss and son Anbumani Ramadoss, which became public during a heated party meeting in Puducherry in December 2024.

The core issue appeared to be disagreements over PMK’s political alliances, particularly its partnership with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Source : PTI

In a major shake-up within Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), party founder Dr S Ramadoss has returned as the president, while his son and senior leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss has been appointed as the working president. The announcement, made on Thursday, marks a pivotal moment for the party as it seeks to navigate internal rifts and realign its political strategy ahead of upcoming electoral challenges.

PMK Leadership Change

The leadership restructuring follows months of simmering tensions between the father-son duo, which became public during a heated party meeting in Puducherry in December 2024. The core issue appeared to be disagreements over the PMK’s political alliances, particularly its partnership with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as per reports.

"I hereby take charge as the President of the PMK and appoint Anbumani Ramadoss as the Executive President of the party," said the veteran leader, as per a report on IANS. Ramadoss also said GK Mani will assume the role of honorary President.

With this latest development, the 85-year-old patriarch Ramadoss—widely regarded as the ideological pillar of the party and a key figure in Tamil Nadu’s Vanniyar community—reclaims formal control over the party he founded in 1989. His son, Anbumani, a former Union Health Minister and the party’s face in recent years, will continue to play a central role in managing the day-to-day affairs as the executive (working) president.

Ramadoss Remembers Party's Humble Beginnings  

With visible emotion, Ramadoss recounted his humble beginnings: "I started my political journey traveling on buses, often standing". He recalled how he founded the Vanniyar Sangam in 1980 while still practicing medicine. The veteran leader became particularly somber while remembering the 1987 'road roko' protests that claimed 21 lives - a tragedy that directly led to PMK's formation in 1989.

"I worked tirelessly to ensure MBC reservation for the Vanniyar community. From winning posts in local bodies to serving as Union Ministers, these milestones are part of the legacy I built. I have been jailed in almost every Central Prison in the state, except the one in Palayamkottai," he said, as per agency report.