In a dramatic turn of events that has exposed deep internal rifts, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder Dr. S. Ramadoss has declared that he will personally finalise and announce the party's alliance for the crucial 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. The announcement is slated to be made within the next two days, ahead of the Pongal festival.
Founder Asserts Authority, Dismisses Son's Leadership
The veteran leader made these significant statements from his farmhouse in Thailapuram, Villupuram, on Thursday. In a move that sent shockwaves through the party, Dr. Ramadoss openly challenged the authority of the party's president and his son, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss. He bluntly dismissed the ongoing alliance negotiations reportedly being conducted by Anbumani with the AIADMK as nothing more than a "drama" and a "contempt of court."
"The talks are invalid, a pure fraud," the PMK founder asserted, leaving no room for ambiguity about his stance. He emphasised that he would be the one to finalise any political partnerships after holding consultations with senior party functionaries, thereby sidelining the current party leadership's efforts.
Sharp Criticism of Anbumani Ramadoss and AIADMK's Silence
Dr. S. Ramadoss did not mince words when evaluating his son's leadership. He stated that Anbumani Ramadoss lacks essential leadership qualities and claimed that the party president has been surrounded by followers who are primarily motivated by money rather than the party's ideology or welfare.
Further escalating the political confrontation, Ramadoss revealed that AIADMK's general secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), has not made any contact with him regarding a potential alliance. This statement directly contradicts the narrative of ongoing high-level talks between the two parties and questions the legitimacy of any discussions held without the founder's involvement.
Implications for Tamil Nadu's Political Landscape
This public airing of grievances just months before the state elections signals a major crisis within the PMK, a key caste-based party with significant influence in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu. The founder's intervention throws the party's strategy into disarray and creates uncertainty for potential allies.
The next 48 hours are now critical, as the promised alliance announcement will determine the PMK's path forward. It will also reveal whether the party will reconcile internally or head into the electoral battle with its leadership publicly divided. All eyes are now on Thailapuram as the veteran leader prepares to chart the course for his party's future.
