Villupuram, Dec 25: In the ongoing leadership dispute within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), party founder Dr. S. Ramadoss on Wednesday said that nearly all party members continue to support him and rejected claims made by his son and senior leader Anbumani Ramadoss.Speaking to reporters in Thailapuram near Tindivanam during an event to pay tribute to social reformer Periyar, Dr. Ramadoss responded strongly to recent statements by Anbumani’s camp. He said reports that a general council meeting would be held on December 29 under Anbumani’s leadership were baseless, and that the former Union minister has no right to call such a meeting.
Ramadoss also reiterated that Anbumani is no longer a member of the PMK, asserting that he had already expelled him from the party. “There is no need to worry about what they say. Ninety-nine percent of PMK members are with me,” he said, dismissing the rival faction’s claims as lies.
The comments come amid a prolonged feud between the father-son duo over control of the party, which has led to rival factions and competing claims of leadership.
The PMK has been a key political force in Tamil Nadu, particularly among the Vanniyar community, and the leadership struggle has drawn attention as parties prepare for the 2026 state assembly elections.