'I will function as the party’s president, Anbumani will serve as working president,' says PMK founder S Ramadoss

VILLUPURAM: The cold war between PMK founder S Ramadoss and his son and party president Anbumani Ramadoss came to the fore yet again, as Ramadoss declared that he would function as the party's president, while Anbumani would serve as the working president.

Speaking to reporters at his Thailapuram gardens-cum-residence on Thursday, he said he took the decision to guide the youth and prepare them for the 2026 assembly polls. He said there were several reasons behind the change in leadership but added that they could not be shared with the media. He further stated that the general council and executive council would convene to decide the further course of action.

The father and son were previously caught in a war of words at the general council meeting in December last year, over the appointment of P Mukundam, Ramadoss’ grandson, as the youth wing president. Mukundam is the son of Anbumani’s elder sister, Gandhimathi.

As soon as Ramadoss announced on stage that P Mukundam had been appointed youth wing president, Anbumani — who was seated beside him — objected, asking how someone who had joined the party just four months ago could be given such a post. He also said he did not need him for assistance. Anbumani expressed his displeasure by dropping the microphone (public address system) on the table.

Irked by Anbumani’s remarks in front of party functionaries and cadres, Ramadoss said that as the founder, he had the right to make any decision, and those who did not abide by his decision need not continue in the party.