PMK rift widens; Ramadoss slams son, blames him for alliance fiasco

In a scathing attack that widened the rift between the father and son in the PMK, party founder Dr S Ramadoss on Thursday said making his son Dr Anbumani Ramadoss a union minister in 2004 was a big mistake.

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Ramadoss accused his son of sabotaging party unity and discipline, lacking leadership qualities, and even acting violently once towards his mother. He also blamed Anbumani for PMK aligning with the BJP, instead of AIADMK, in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Ramadoss said the only way for reconciliation is for Anbumani to accept the role of "executive president" while he remains the president. While Anbumani's camp remained silent, sources said he will hold a consultative meet with cadres from May 30-June 1 at a private hall in Sholinganallur.

WHILE Anbumani's camp remained silent, sources close to him said he has initiated a consultative meeting with party functionaries for three days from May 30 to June 1 at a private hall at Sholinganallur near Chennai.

Sources said the meeting aims to assess Anbumani's support base within the party, that largely seems to be with him, and consolidate his position within the party.

Addressing reporters at his residence at Thailapuram in Villupuram district on Thursday, Ramadoss said that he wanted PMK to align with the AIADMK in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. "An AIADMKPMK alliance would have been a natural one. Had it materialised, PMK might have won 3 seats and AIADMK 7," he said.