Chennai, 26 December (H.S.): Pattali Makkal Katchi president Anbumani Ramadoss has officially expelled the party's former president and current Pennagaram MLA, G.K. Mani, from primary membership today.

This decision follows a period of intense internal conflict between Anbumani and his father, party founder S. Ramadoss. The party headquarters issued a statement confirming that Mani was removed for repeatedly engaging in activities detrimental to the leadership and party interests.

The disciplinary committee of the party had previously issued a show-cause notice to Mani on December 18, demanding an explanation for his alleged anti-party actions within seven days. The charges included lodging a complaint with the Delhi police against Anbumani and making disparaging remarks during press briefings.

As the deadline for the response expired yesterday without any clarification from Mani, the committee recommended his immediate removal. Following this, Anbumani Ramadoss approved the expulsion and instructed all party members to refrain from maintaining any contact with the senior leader.

Mani, who served as the PMK president for twenty-five years, had recently sided with S. Ramadoss amid the ongoing leadership tussle. He had publicly criticized Anbumani, claiming that only the party founder held true public influence and that the general council meeting scheduled for December 29 in Salem would proceed under the senior Ramadoss’s leadership.

Responding to the allegations before his expulsion, Mani stated that Anbumani did not possess the legal authority to remove him and offered to resign from his MLA post if it would ensure party unity. However, the Anbumani faction dismissed these appeals as a drama.

This move further deepens the rift within the party as it prepares for the upcoming assembly elections, with both factions claiming legitimate control over the organization and its symbols.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary