Tamil Nadu Politics: PMK Founder Ramadoss Expels Son Anbumani From Party After Eight Months Of Conflict

Dr S Ramadoss, the founder of Tamil Nadu-based Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), on Thursday (11 September) announced the removal of his son, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, from the party amid ongoing family and internal disputes.

This action stripped Anbumani of all his positions within the organisation, such as his role as working president, and revoked his basic membership status.

In explaining the move, Dr Ramadoss stated that Anbumani had been operating as though he led an independent group and had disregarded the party's shared decision-making process.

“He has been acting in a manner unbecoming of a responsible politician. If he wants, let him start his own party,” the PMK founder was quoted as remarking about his son by The New Indian Express.

Tensions reached a peak following a dedicated general council session held in Puducherry on 17 August, presided over by Ramadoss, where the disciplinary body outlined 16 allegations against Anbumani.

An initial notice demanding an explanation was issued, with a response due by 31 August. After no reply came, a follow-up notice extended the deadline to 10 September. Since that passed without any submission, Ramadoss deemed the accusations confirmed.

“Despite repeated opportunities, advice from seniors, and guidance from well-wishers, he refused to mend his ways. The disciplinary panel concluded his actions were against the party’s interest. Therefore, he has been removed from all responsibilities, including primary membership,” Ramadoss told reporters.

He also cautioned party members to avoid any interactions with Anbumani, threatening severe consequences for non-compliance. “I have built this party with years of struggle. But Anbumani has shown no intent to strengthen it,” Ramadoss added.

This decision caps off almost eight months of intense internal conflict, representing one of the most significant father-son divisions in Tamil Nadu's political landscape.

It comes after a similar move in another southern state, where Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) founder K Chandrashekar Rao suspended his daughter K Kavitha from the party over her public accusations against senior party leader and cousin T Harish Rao.