THREE OF 5 MLAS & GEN SECY BACK ANBUMANI

IN a new escalation in the power struggle in the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), three of the party's five MLAs and general secretary of the party, Vadivel Ravanan, have pledged their loyalties to party president Anbumani Ramadoss in his fight with father and PMK founder Dr Ramadoss.

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During the second day of the consultative meeting with party's officebearers held in Sholinganallur, Anbumani announced plans for a state-wide padayatra to "reclaim the rights of Tamil Nadu".

According to party sources, MLAS S P Venkateshwaran (Dharmapuri) and S Sadhasivam (Mettur) met Anbumani along with Vadivel Ravanan to express their support on Saturday.

On Friday, MLA C Sivakumar (Mailam), who was removed from the post by senior Ramadoss, was reinstated by Anbumani as Villuppuram central district secretary, stating that it was the prerogative of the general council-elected president to make such decisions.

According to sources, the show of support has dealt a blow to Dr Ramadoss, who is said to be consulting legal experts and auditors over the party's internal crisis.