In a fresh twist to the ongoing internal feud within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), party spokesperson K Balu made significant statements on Sunday regarding the recent Delhi High Court verdict. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Balu, a known supporter of PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, asserted that the court's judgement contained no adverse remarks against their faction, contrary to claims by the rival group led by party founder S. Ramadoss.
No Adverse Remarks in Judgement, Says Balu
K Balu addressed the media immediately after the release of the Delhi High Court's verdict. He strongly countered the narrative being propagated by the faction led by PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss. Balu explicitly stated that the judgement nowhere mentions that the Election Commission of India (ECI) warned about not allotting the 'Mango' symbol to both factions. He also denied the claim that the ECI withdrew any letter recognizing Anbumani Ramadoss as the party president.
"The faction led by PMK founder Ramadoss has been claiming that the Election Commission of India warned that the Mango symbol will not be given to both factions and that it withdrew its letter stating Anbumani is the president," Balu said. "There is no such mention anywhere in the judgement. But the Ramadoss faction is celebrating without knowing this."
Alleged Blunder in April 24 Meeting
Balu further intensified his attack by pointing out what he called a major blunder by the opposing camp. He highlighted that the rival faction admitted to convening a meeting on April 24 this year with the agenda of removing Anbumani Ramadoss from the post of president.
According to Balu, this admission significantly weakens their position. He argued that such a meeting is invalid as per party norms, as it can only be convened by the sitting president, who was Anbumani Ramadoss at the time. This procedural flaw, Balu suggested, undermines the legitimacy of the actions taken by the founder's faction.
Implications for PMK's Future
This public clarification and accusation mark a new phase in the bitter internal struggle for control of the PMK. The dispute, centered on party leadership and the iconic 'Mango' election symbol, has the potential to impact the party's unity and electoral prospects. The statements from Chennai indicate that the legal battle is now being fiercely fought in the public and political arena as well.
The core issue remains the recognition of the legitimate party president and the subsequent right to use the party symbol—a crucial asset for mobilizing voter support. With both factions digging in their heels, the path to reconciliation appears challenging, setting the stage for more political and legal developments in the coming days.
