Rift widens in BJP Tamil Nadu ally as founder says son ‘lying without shame'
A rift within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), a prominent political party in Tamil Nadu, has emerged publicly after the party's founder, S Ramadoss, made serious allegations during a press conference against his son and current party leader, Anbumani Ramadoss.Allied with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, the PMK has a strong base among the Vanniyar community in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu.advertisementWhile addressing the media, a visibly distraught Ramadoss Sr hinted at internal sabotage and a struggle for control of the party, stating that his son Anbumani has been a significant hindrance to its development.
Saying that he saw the way Anbumani questioned what he had done to warrant the change in his party role. 'This is nothing but diversionary tactics. He is hiding his mistakes and attempting to get sympathy from party men,' and trying to avoid accountability for his actions, the senior Ramadoss said.He also openly expressed regret over his past decision to elevate Anbumani to Union Minister, asserting that Anbumani has since made 'a lot of mistakes' and caused widespread confusion within the party ranks. 'Honestly, the real mistake was mine. I made him a Union Minister at just 35. But it was Anbumani who chose to escalate things,' the party founder added.advertisementHis emotional outburst included allegations that Anbumani had attempted to isolate him from party cadres and that his son 'will lie without shame'.The PMK founder was also clear about the transition of power. 'The party will, however, go to Anbumani's hands.'The widening chasm between father and son reportedly intensified following the founder's decision to appoint his daughter's son, Mukundan, to a key party position. This move sparked a public confrontation at a general council meeting in Puducherry in December 2024.The elder Ramadoss also mentioned the incident: 'You all saw what happened at the general body meeting in Puducherry. I appointed Mukundan to assist me at home and support Anbumani in party affairs. Was it right for him to slam the microphone onto the table as if he were throwing it at me?'During the December meeting, Anbumani openly challenged his father's decision, questioning Mukundan's experience and suitability for the role — a moment that insiders describe as a stark display of their growing rift.Ramadoss Sr claimed that Anbumani's actions at this 'Pondy meeting' effectively 'broke the party in a split second.'Further highlighting the internal turmoil, a recent meeting convened by Ramadoss Sr reportedly saw strikingly low attendance from district leaders, with reports suggesting that many functionaries were siding with Anbumani.
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