PMK founder S Ramadoss convened a crucial district functionaries meeting amidst rising tensions with his son, Anbumani Ramadoss, after stripping him of the party president post.

VILLUPURAM: Amidst growing tension between the father and son, PMK founder S Ramadoss convened the party’s district functionaries meeting at his farmhouse at Thailavaram near Tindivanam on Friday. It is the first time the council convenes after Ramadoss stripped Anbumani Ramadoss, his son of the post of president and appointed him as the working president. Ramadoss declared himself as the president of the party and started referring himself as the founder-president since then.More than 15 party functionaries participated in the meeting. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the meeting, Ramadoss said a proper invitation was sent to Anbumani to attend the meeting. “He (Anbumani) may be on the way to attend the meeting,” Ramadoss said.Ramadoss said the functionaries who could not attend the meeting called him over phone and convened their inability to attend the meeting. “Lion’s legs have not become weak nor lion’s aggression,” he said responding to the demand from a section of his party members to retire from politics.He declared that the party will contest the 2026 assembly polls only in alliance with other parties. “We must strive hard to win at least 50 seats in the 2026 assembly polls,” he said.He claimed that there is no factional feud in the party.Ramadoss while addressing the Chithirai Pournami youth conference at Mammallapuram a few days ago said he will decide on the alliance for the ensuing assembly polls. There are differences in opinion between the father and son on alliance.Anbumani has been keen in aligning with the BJP and has launched attempts to promote his wife Soumiya Anbumani in the political sphere. Ramadoss was against his son’s idea and was suggesting to join hands with one of the two Dravidian majors – DMK or AIADMK.