Ramadoss Names Daughter Srikanthi to Lead PMK Operations, Son Anbumani Declines

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder Dr. S Ramadoss stunned party cadres in Dharmapuri on Saturday by appointing his elder daughter Srikanthi Parasuraman as the working president, filling a leadership vacuum left by his son Anbumani Ramadoss, who has declined the post. The announcement, made during a packed meeting presided over by Pennagaram MLA G K Mani, signals a major generational shift in the influential Vanniyar-based party. Ramadoss declared, “Anbumani has not accepted the role—so Srikanthi will now lead operations and protect the party and me,” instantly elevating her to the second-most powerful position in PMK’s hierarchy.

Ramadoss also introduced G K M Tamil Kumaran, the newly appointed youth wing president, as a rising star from Dharmapuri—the symbolic birthplace of PMK’s movement. “Tamil Kumaran’s first visit after taking charge is here, where our journey began,” he said, praising Mani’s four-term electoral dominance and predicting statewide impact from the young leader. The dual announcements—family succession and youth empowerment—were designed to energize the cadre ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls, with Ramadoss emphasizing continuity and fresh blood.

Reflecting on PMK’s evolution, the 85-year-old founder grew emotional, stating, “Forty years ago, just four of us planted seeds in Dharmapuri’s soil. Today, those seeds have grown into mighty trees rooted in every village and town across Tamil Nadu.” The metaphor underscored the party’s transformation from a localized caste mobilization into a statewide political force with sway in over 100 assembly segments, particularly in northern and western districts where the Vanniyar community holds decisive voting power.

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On future alliances, Ramadoss asserted absolute control, declaring, “I alone will decide our coalition—it will be a winning partnership.” The statement comes amid intense speculation, with both AIADMK and BJP aggressively courting PMK for its 7–8% vote bank and proven ability to tilt marginal seats. Sources reveal backchannel negotiations are underway, with seat-sharing formulas, policy concessions on liquor prohibition, and agricultural subsidies on the table.

Meanwhile, Anbumani Ramadoss maintained a cryptic silence on his sister’s elevation. At Coimbatore Airport and during a protest against Noyyal River pollution in Tiruppur, the former Union Minister dodged all questions, saying only, “This is an internal matter—I will clarify soon.” The restraint has sparked debate: is it strategic restraint, a family power-sharing agreement, or a sign of underlying tension? As Srikanthi steps into the spotlight, PMK’s internal realignment could redefine Tamil Nadu’s electoral landscape in the run-up to 2026.

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