TNCC president calling on Ramadoss fuels speculation of PMK allying with DMK-front
At a time when speculation is rife that the PMK may split — one faction under its founder S. Ramadoss and another under his son Anbumani Ramadoss — and possibly join rival electoral alliances, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K. Selvaperunthagai on Friday met Dr. Ramadoss at his residence in Thailapuram in Villupuram. The unannounced meeting created a flutter in Tamil Nadu's political circles.
Mr. Selvaperunthagai told The Hindu it was a courtesy call and claimed that he decided to visit Thailapuram as he happened to pass by that route. 'Is it a crime to meet him?' he jokingly asked, before adding, 'We didn't speak anything about politics or alliance,' he added. However, sources in the TNCC said Dr. Ramadoss was keeping all options open, including the possibility of contesting the 2026 State Assembly election under DMK leadership. While those who have known Dr. Ramadoss for many years argue the veteran leader, through such meetings, is trying to show to his son who remains the boss, it is also possible he is simply keeping his options open to improve the party's bargaining power.
'We are with the DMK but there are misgivings and issues that need to be addressed. DMK doesn't accommodate our requests, and we are facing a challenge when it comes to nurturing our party. There is a possibility that the Congress and other parties in the alliance could raise the issue of power sharing in the 2026 State government. Such meetings give heft to the demand. If AIADMK has already agreed to it with the BJP [AIADMK has not endorsed the BJP's claims], why not the DMK?' asked a senior Congress leader.
Sources close to Dr. Ramadoss swore there was no conversation about politics during the meeting. 'In fact, we are hoping issues between the father and son would be resolved soon and things would get back to normal,' a source said.
If at all Dr. Ramadoss joins the DMK-Congress alliance, it would make the VCK uncomfortable. Its leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, has time and again, reiterated the VCK will not be in an alliance featuring PMK or BJP. In fact, it was Dr. Ramadoss who tried to mobilise the intermediate caste organisations against the Scheduled Castes accusing them of misusing prevention of atrocities act against SC/ST and alleging Dalit youth of ensnaring intermediate caste girls in the name of love.
VCK general secretary D. Ravikumar, however, said, 'We welcome anyone who decides to walk out of the NDA fold and embrace secularism at a time when there is a threat to it. Whether he is genuine in opposing the BJP or just trying to create demand for himself and PMK? The doubts persist looking at his history.'
Those close to Dr. Anbumani agreed that leaders from other parties meeting Dr. Ramadoss certainly improves his stature, but that alone wasn't enough. 'An overwhelming majority of the party's office-bearers are with Dr. Anbumani. Only he has the power to decide and sign on Forms A and B of the candidates. So, there is no question of the PMK contesting the election as two factions. The party will not split,' he said.
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