Chennai, 26 March (H.S):

In a major political development ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, S. Ramadoss is set to announce the launch of a new political outfit today, signalling a formal split in the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK).

The announcement is expected to be made at his Thailapuram Estate in Tindivanam, bringing to a head the prolonged leadership tussle between Ramadoss and his son, Anbumani Ramadoss. The rift, which has been simmering for months, has now evolved into a full-fledged organisational divide.

The crisis deepened after the Election Commission recognised Anbumani Ramadoss as the official leader of the PMK, granting him control over the party’s name and its well-known “mango” symbol. Ramadoss had challenged the decision in court, but the ruling went against him, effectively closing the legal route and accelerating his move to float a separate party.

Sources indicate that Ramadoss has already aligned with a new political formation backed by V. K. Sasikala under the banner of the All India Revolutionary Leader Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, signalling his intent to remain a key player in the electoral fray.

On the other hand, Anbumani Ramadoss has consolidated his position within the PMK by aligning with the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), securing 18 seats for the upcoming Assembly elections and emerging as the recognised face of the party.

The split has created uncertainty among party cadres, particularly in northern Tamil Nadu where the PMK has a strong base. Reports suggest that efforts are underway to register Ramadoss’s new party with the Election Commission, with the proposed name “Ayya Pasarai Makkal Katchi” (Ayya PMK) already in circulation.

Ramadoss’s announcement is expected to significantly reshape political equations in the State ahead of the polls.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman