Ramadoss demotes son, takes PMK reins

In a dramatic turn of events for the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), its founder Dr S Ramadoss on Thursday announced to the media at his house in Villupuram district that he would take over the post of party president from his son and former Union minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss with immediate effect.

- S KUMARESAN @ Chennai

He said Anbumani will serve as working president and will continue to play a key role in party's activities, especially as the party prepares for the 2026 elections. When asked about the reasons for the decision that has shocked party leaders and cadres, Ramadoss declined to elaborate and merely said, "many reasons".

The timing is even more startling as Union Home Minister and BJP's chief electoral strategist Amit Shah will reach Chennai on Thursday night for a day-long trip, during which he is expected to meet leaders of alliance partners and potential allies.