Following a public clash with his father, PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss, at the party’s special general council meeting, PMK president Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss met the senior leader on Sunday at his residence in Thailapuram, Villupuram district. While efforts were made to project unity within the party, Anbumani’s visibly serious demeanor after the meeting hinted at unresolved tensions.After the meeting, Anbumani addressed the media, downplaying the rift as an internal matter. He stated that discussions centered around the partyâs growth, preparations for the 2026 elections, and the ongoing caste census-related agitations.
When asked about the heated exchange with his father during the meeting, Anbumani described the PMK as a democratic party. âHeated arguments are common in democratically held general councils across all parties,â he said. Reaffirming his respect for his father, he added, âEngalukku Ayya Ayya dan,â meaning, “Ayya is everything to us.”
The conflict arose on Saturday when Anbumani publicly opposed Ramadossâs announcement of appointing P. Mukunthan as the PMK youth wing president. Mukunthan, Ramadossâs grandson and son of his daughter Gandhimathi Parasuraman, had joined the party only a few days prior. Ramadoss firmly stated that those unwilling to follow his decisions could leave the party, leading to a verbal confrontation between the father and son in front of party cadres.
A close aide of the leadership described Sundayâs meeting as amicable, denying reports of a rift. âIf there were issues, Anbumani would not have met his father so soon,â the cadre claimed. However, there was no official clarification on whether Mukunthanâs appointment had been revoked or upheld.
Mukunthan, an engineering graduate and businessman, is known to share a close relationship with his grandfather. Ramadossâs announcement that Mukunthan would assist Anbumani in his party duties has sparked speculation about succession planning within the PMK, despite Anbumani’s objections.
While party cadres and spokespersons attempt to maintain a unified front, the publicized clash has raised questions about internal dynamics within the PMKâs top leadership. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, the party will need to resolve such differences to ensure a cohesive strategy going forward.
For now, both leaders have emphasized their commitment to the partyâs vision, but the long-term impact of the episode on PMK’s internal stability remains to be seen.