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The Hindu
31-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Anbumani says he will steer PMK, calls his father ‘family deity'
For the second day in a row, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Saturday addressed office-bearers of PMK and reiterated that his father and party founder S. Ramadoss continues to be the party's 'family deity', acknowledged his vision and hardwork in building the party, but made it clear that he will be the president and that the party would be steered by him in the future. Speaking to the office-bearers from PMK strongholds such as Dharmapuri, Salem, Erode, Namakkal and Kallakurichi districts, Dr. Anbumani urged them to undertake a membership drive in the next three weeks and said that that he would soon take out a yatra across Tamil Nadu to 'reclaim rights of the Tamil people'. 'After the membership drive, we also have plans regarding caste census. I will also undertake a yatra by foot for which I will announce the details soon. There is a lot of work to be done. You are the party; the PMK is not owned by a single person,' he told them. 'You are the reason why the Vanniyar youth conference was a big success. We are all in the same team. I will never think that you are my subordinates. You are all my colleagues,' he added. Dr. Anbumani said he would soon resolve the issues within the party and reassured office-bearers that 'nobody can remove or change anyone' in the party without his concurrence and signature. 'I have been appointed by the party general council as per laws and it has been acknowledged by the Election Commission. Only the party president should make appointments and sign on appointments. I understand how sad you are all, but you also know how bad I feel about what is happening within the party. Our strength is our youth... and many of you are here to do good for the community. PMK should rule the State,' he said. PMK general secretary Vadivel Ravanan, treasurer Thilagabama, Vanniyar Sangam State secretary Karthik, and MLAs S.P. Venkateswaran, S. Sadashivam and C. Sivakumar were also present. On the other hand, Pennagaram MLA and former president G.K. Mani said every cadre of the PMK wished that Dr. Anbumani and Dr. Ramadoss met to resolve the issues. 'If they meet and talk, it would give a lot of energy to the cadre. I had urged Dr. Ramadoss not to change the office-bearers, but he decided to anyway. We are talking continuously with both leaders to resolve this issue.' Mr. Mani added, 'Some say I am the reason for the that someone else or some other political party is the things cannot be accepted. Dr. Ramadoss has been politics for 45 years. Dr. Anbumani has been a union minister and achieved a lot. Do they have to be told what to do? Nobody else is responsible. This is happening due to unforeseen circumstances.' Mr. Mani said Dr. Ramadoss was in 'great mental stress'. 'I have told Dr. Ramadoss several times. I have taken two decisions — to leave everything and go somewhere or I shouldn't be alive. I am saying this because I am so distressed at what is happening in the party,' he said. (Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State's health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416. and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)
New Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
PMK founder Ramadoss warns of statewide stir if 10.5% quota not implemented for Vanniyars
VILLUPURAM: PMK founder S Ramadoss on Monday warned that Tamil Nadu would see a statewide agitation if the 10.5% internal reservation for Vanniyars is not implemented. He said the government should act to prevent such a protest. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of Vanniyar Sangam administrators held at Thailapuram, Ramadoss said, 'If the 10.5% internal quota is not granted, Tamil Nadu will face a protest that could bring the state to a standstill. It is the government's responsibility to prevent such a scenario.' Ramadoss said, 'This meeting was to strengthen the organisation, discuss principles, and ensure victory in the upcoming elections,' he said. Responding to questions on party responsibilities, Ramadoss said, 'Some media outlets are spreading false information. Both the party and the sangam are functioning as usual. An official announcement on the protest for the 10.5% quota will be made after discussions with all stakeholders.'
New Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Son seems to have upper hand as PMK secys skip meet called by Ramadoss
CHENNAI: The simmering discontent between PMK founder S Ramadoss and his son Anbumani Ramadoss was once again under spotlight on Friday when only a handful of the party's 108 district secretaries took part in a meeting convened by the former at his Thailapuram residence near Tindivanam. The absence may be seen as a clear signal of the district secretaries rallying behind Anbumani in his attempt to establish himself as the party president. Anbumani also didn't take part in the meeting. The Chithirai conference of the Vanniyar Sangam held in Mamallapuram on May 11 was viewed as a major success for the party, with a large number of cadres in attendance. The strong turnout was especially significant, as the event was held after a gap of more than a decade and the first since the death of prominent Vanniyar Sangam leader J Guru, a key crowd-puller who passed away in 2018. However, before the buzz around the conference had fully faded, the party was once again hit by internal turmoil as most functionaries skipped the meeting called by Ramadoss, whose word was once considered sacred by them. At the Friday meeting attended by only a handful of functionaries including two of the party's five MLAs -- GK Mani and R Arul -- Ramadoss reiterated the need for efforts at the grassroots-level to win 50 Assembly seats in the 2026 elections, a goal he had earlier outlined at the Mamallapuram conference.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Vanniyar Youth Conference at Mamallapuram: PMK founder Ramadoss warns of extensive protests seeking reservation for the community
PMK founder S. Ramadoss on Sunday (May 11, 2025) said 'extensive and historic protests' will be announced soon against the Tamil Nadu government, which, according to him, does not seem to be in a mood to provide 10.5% internal reservations for Vanniyars in government jobs and higher education. He said the community was ready to make 'any sacrifice necessary' to achieve its goal of obtaining internal reservations. Addressing a massive Vanniyar youth conference – held by the Vanniyar Sangam after 12 years - at Mamallapuram, Dr. Ramadoss said he had directly urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to provide 10.5% internal reservations for Vanniyars. 'If 2,000 [Vanniyar] youth manage to canvass 50 votes each in a constituency, we can win in at least 50 Assembly seats. But, I know many are not working hard. If you ensure the vote of your family members, we can acquire power,' he told the gathering. Dr. Ramadoss said the community should be ashamed to win just 5 MLAs despite being in an alliance, whereas the party had won in four seats contesting on the Elephant symbol, on its own in 1996. 'People keep asking about alliance. I will decide on the alliance, but if you want a seat, start your work. Your work is being monitored. You cannot get your seat by cajoling me. Many are ready to work in your place. If you want to do real estate business, please do it. But, you won't have your position in the party,' he said. PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Sunday alleged that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has betrayed the Vanniyar community by refusing to provide internal reservations for Vanniyars within the MBC quota [a legislation providing internal reservation for the community was quashed by the Supreme Court]. Addressing a massive Vanniyar Youth rally organised by the Vanniyar Sangam in Mamallapuram, he said Mr. Stalin had assured he will implement the reservations 'but changed his mind'. The PMK leader said, '1136 days have passed since the verdict striking down the reservations for Vanniyars was passed. We met the CM so many times. He welcomed us and assured he will implement the reservations. Once when I said the next academic year would be affected, the CM said he will convene a special Assembly session. Suddenly, he changed his opinion. For two years, he assured us.' According to him, the Chief Minister had pointed out Vanniyar reservations cannot be given without conducting caste census which can be done only by the Central government. 'This is a lie he repeated in State Assembly and in public. This is a big betrayal. Does the Tamil Nadu government have no powers to take caste survey? Then, how did your father and M.G.R. do it? How was the Sattanathan Commission formed by your father? And how did Ambasankar Commission do door-to-door enumeration?' he asked Mr Stalin. He shared his view that two Vanniakula Kshatriyas were instrumental in the implementation of reservations for Other Backward Classes in India. One was V. Anaimuthu who had a role in establishing the Mandal Commission and the other, was his father and PMK founder S. Ramadoss for implementation of reservations of OBCs. Dr. Anbumani claimed many important historical figures have not been recognised because they were born into the Vanniyar community. They are being used by the political establishment just as a 'vote bank'. 'First martyr in Sathyagraha movement in South Africa was Nagappan Padaiyachi from Mayiladuthurai. Why doesn't nobody know this? Because he is a Padaiyachi. Next is Anjalai came in person to see her. Shouldn't she be recognised as freedom fighter? V. Anaimuthu was the true heir to Periyar, unlike others who claim to be his heir. He went to North India to create awareness and organised protests and was instrumental in establishing Mandal Commission. Otherwise, there would be no OBC reservations in India,' he said. He added, 'Dr. Ramadoss asked Sonia Gandhi firmly if the UPA government would be willing to implement 27% OBC reservations in educational institutions. This is such a big history. This wouldn't be hailed because he was born into this community. He has managed to bring in 6 reservations for various communities.' The Vanniyar community, he said, is the largest community in terms of population, but continues to live in poverty - people of the community do daily wage work, educationally backward and have no jobs. 'But, political parties in power view the community as a 'vote bank'. During the elections, they will use you. After the elections, they will just leave you. Even other communities use the Vanniyar community – if they encounter an issue, they will seek your help. But soon afterwards, they cut us loose,' he said. The conference was to demand the rights of the community, 'not just a show of strength'. Scores of Vanniyar youth thronged to Mamallapuram in busses, cars, bikes and on foot on Sunday to participate in the Chithirai full moon Vanniyar Youth Conference. The PMK leadership didn't miss the opportunity to put the rift within the party aside as Dr. Ramadoss was flanked by Dr. Anbumani on one side and Parasuraman Mukundan, whose appointment in the youth wing was flagged by Dr. Anbumani recently leading to widening rift, on the other while walking on to the stage. Dr. Anbumani's family members were also present at the venue overseeing the preparations. Thousands of vehicles clogged the East Coast Road as thousands of Vanniyar youth from across several districts from Tamil Nadu moved towards the venue, waving the Vanniyar Sangam and PMK flags. With the PMK yet to formally join an alliance, the public rally gains significance as it was considered as an opportunity for the party to exhibit a show of strength a year before the 2026 State Assembly elections scheduled next year. The event began with musical performance by renowned singer, Pushpavanam Kuppusaamy, and his wife, Anitha Kuppusaamy. Dr. Ramadoss also helped raise the Vanniyar Sangam's flag on a flag pole remotely while the PMK cadre witnessed a drone show, documentaries about Dr. Ramadoss' achievements in his political life and about important Vanniyar personalities in history. Besides, 14 resolutions were read out on stage including a demand to conduct a caste survey in Tamil Nadu to protect 69% reservations in place in Tamil Nadu, appreciation for Dr. Ramadoss for fighting for caste census over such a long period of time and ensuring its implementation and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for announcing it. The resolutions further demanded that Tamil Nadu government should ensure that each community should be given representation based on their population and that reservations for Scheduled Castes should be increased further by 2%. Other resolutions demanded that the upper limit of 50% reservations should be removed by the Central government and also called for removal of creamy layer in OBC reservations implemented by Central government. The party further demanded that separate corporations with funding be created in the name of every community within Backward classes and Most Backward Classes communities just like the Andhra Pradesh government. The party resolution also backed the Central government's military action against Pakistan and any future action citing the Pahalgam terror attack.
New Indian Express
12-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Parties ruling Tamil Nadu using Vanniyars as mere vote bank, says Anbumani
CHENNAI: PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Sunday charged that the parties that rule the state have been using Vanniyar community, the single largest community in Tamil Nadu, as a mere vote bank during the elections. The Vanniyars have been deprived of education and employment opportunities, and living in hutments and working as daily wage labourers, he alleged. Speaking at the Chithirai Muzhu Nilavu Naal Peruvizha, organised by the Vanniyar Sangam, Anbumani said other communities also use the Vanniyars only to resolve their problems, and once their problems are solved, the Vanniyars are forgotten. Anbumani said that during the first two years after coming to power, Chief Minister M K Stalin promised that he would provide reservations for the Vanniyar community. 'Once, the CM promised us to convene a special session to provide reservations for Vanniyars. But suddenly he changed his mind and went back on his word. It is a huge betrayal to Vanniyars,' he added. 'You need only our votes. Fourteen of the 15 constituencies won by the DMK in the 1957 elections were dominated by Vanniyars. Similarly, in 1962, the DMK won in 50 constituencies, and of them, 45 were dominated by Vanniyars. In 1967, the DMK won 138 seats, and of them 92 constituencies were dominated by Vanniyars. Even in the present Assembly, the Vanniyar community gave 23 MLAs. But you don't have the intent to give them education and jobs,' Anbumani said.
