A power struggle has erupted within the PMK as founder S Ramadoss declared himself party president, sidelining his son Anbumani Ramadoss.

VILLUPURAM: The rift between PMK founder S Ramadoss and his son and party president Anbumani Ramadoss is out in the open.
On Thursday, senior Ramadoss ‘appointed’ himself as the party president, and announced Anbumani would be the working president. Anbumani supporters pushed back, saying only the president (Anbumani) can make appointments and change the party structure.
Ramadoss, 85, told reporters at his farmhouse in Thailapuram that the decision was made ahead of the 2026 assembly elections following appeals from young party members to him to take over the reins of the party again. “I will reveal more details soon,” he said, announcing that PMK general council, executive council and MLAs would meet to discuss the way forward.
Party treasurer M Thilagabama, an Anbumani supporter, called Ramadoss’s decision a “gross misstep”. In a social media post, she supported Anbumani’s leadership and said democracy within the party has systematically eroded. “Until now, every decision taken by Ayya (Ramadoss) was commendable and in the interest of the people,” she posted. ” … (but) this particular decision is a grave misstep … If we are truly committed to safeguarding the welfare of our society, especially in the current political scenario, it can be achieved only under the leadership of Dr Anbumani. Let us move forward, united, along the visionary path he has shown,” she wrote.
Anbumani supporters gathered in front of Ramadoss’s house demanding he revoke the decision. Ramadoss’ supporters also assembled there, leading to arguments.
‘Every party member knows Anbumani is the future’
We came to respectfully request Ayya to reconsider. Every party functionary knows Anbumani is the future,” said R Raju, 41, a PMK cadre from Tindivanam. “The party founder has no role in appointments. Chinna Ayya (Anbumani) is the president and will continue to lead the party,” said another Anbumani loyalist.
The difference of opinion first became a public display on Dec 28, 2024, when they argued on stage over appointment of P Mukundan, Anbumani’s nephew, as the party youth wing secretary. Ramadoss named his grandson, while Anbumani disagreed.