PMK Founder Ramadoss Votes, Opens Up About Family Rift and Political Regrets
VILLUPURAM: In a significant political development, PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss, aged 86, exercised his democratic franchise by casting his postal ballot from his Thailapuram farmhouse on Friday. The veteran leader was assisted by a dedicated team of polling officers, with the entire process documented by a videographer to ensure transparency and adherence to electoral protocols.
Ramadoss Expresses Personal Hurt Over Son's Absence
Following the voting procedure, Ramadoss addressed reporters and revealed a deep personal wound. He expressed profound disappointment that his son, Anbumani Ramadoss, along with his immediate family, did not visit him during his recent hospitalization at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, despite being geographically close. "They are merely waiting for my end to take full control," he lamented, highlighting a stark familial and political divide.
Ramadoss had fainted during a campaign event in Salem on Sunday, April 12, leading to his admission to the hospital. He was subsequently discharged on Thursday, making his public appearance and voting act particularly notable given his recent health scare.
Introspection on Political Journey and Broken Promise
The PMK patriarch took a moment of introspection, reflecting on his extensive political career and a specific personal vow made decades earlier. "I deeply regret that I could not keep the promise I made to the people that my family members would not foray into politics," he remarked candidly. This admission underscores a significant ideological shift for the party, which was originally founded on staunch anti-dynastic principles.
Despite these foundational values, PMK witnessed Anbumani rise to prominence, serving as Union Health Minister and later ascending to the position of party president. Ramadoss's comments suggest a moment of reckoning regarding the party's evolution and the perceived departure from its core tenets.
Accusations of Ambition and Division Within the Family
Ramadoss did not mince words in his criticism, directly accusing Anbumani of being driven by "responsibility-free" ambition and a desire to "usurp" control of the party. He further implicated Anbumani's wife, Sowmiya Anbumani, alleging that she is fueling internal divisions to "bask in the ruins of the family." These pointed accusations reveal a deep-seated rift that extends beyond mere political disagreement into personal familial dynamics.
During the interaction, Ramadoss was flanked by his daughter, Srikanthi, and grandson, Mukundan, both of whom stood firmly in his defense, adding layers to the family narrative.
Family Members Launch Scathing Attacks
Srikanthi Ramadoss did not hold back, labeling Anbumani as the "first traitor" of the PMK. She accused him of isolating their father for personal gain and political advancement. "My parents' happiness is all we want; Anbumani is not a 'good son' and has failed to even attend their 60th wedding anniversary," she stated, intertwining personal grievances with political accusations.
Mukundan, Ramadoss's grandson, escalated the confrontation by challenging Anbumani and Sowmiya to a public debate, even suggesting the use of a lie detector to verify claims. He alleged that Anbumani had previously offered him an MLA seat with promises to cover all associated expenses, an offer he firmly rejected. "They want the name and the symbol of Ayya (Ramadoss), but they don't want Ayya," Mukundan remarked, encapsulating the perceived hypocrisy and ambition within the family feud.
Political Implications Ahead of Tamil Nadu Elections
With the Tamil Nadu assembly elections merely five days away, this internal explosion within the PMK is poised to create significant ripples across the political landscape, particularly in the northern districts. The Dravidian majors and other political alliances are watching closely, as a split in PMK's traditional vote bank could become a decisive factor in several key constituencies.
The public airing of grievances and accusations threatens to undermine party unity at a critical juncture, potentially altering electoral dynamics and influencing voter sentiment. As the campaign enters its final phase, the ramifications of this family and political rift will be closely monitored by analysts and voters alike, adding an unexpected layer of drama to the already intense electoral battle.
