Chennai: With the father-son feud threatening to cause a split in the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), its founder Dr S. Ramadoss Thursday levelled serious allegations against his son Dr Anbumani Ramadoss and daughter-in-law Dr Sowmiya Anbumani here.
He alleged that Anbumani, a Rajya Sabha member, and Sowmya held his feet and cried for “more than an hour” to form an alliance with the BJP for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Thailapuram of Villuppuram district, the PMK founder made scathing remarks about his son, saying it was his mistake to make Anbumani (56) a Union Cabinet minister. “It was not Anbumani who erred; it was me. I broke my own words and made Anbumani a cabinet minister at the age of 35, which was my mistake,” he said.
When PMK was formed 35 years ago, Ramadoss had promised that none of his family members would enter politics. However, Ramadoss’s son Anbumani was made the president of the party in May 2022.
He also blamed his son and daughter-in-law for the state of the party now. He said the PMK and the AIADMK were natural allies and would have won at least 10 seats if they had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections together.
“Both of them came to my house and cried for more than an hour. I could not do anything,” Ramadoss said, adding they insisted the PMK join hands with the BJP. “He (Anbumani) said if I don’t do so, I will be in a situation to perform his last rites.”
In 2024, the PMK was part of the BJP-led NDA and contested 10 seats. However, it could win none.
The only solution to address the issue now is that either Anbumani really takes up the role of ‘working president’ and works for the development of the PMK or leaves the position and just serves as a worker, Ramadoss said.
ThePrint has reached Anbumani for comment. This report will be updated if and when a response is received.
Sources close to Anbumani said he will be meeting the party’s district functionaries over the next three days and may release a statement.
“Whatever happens, he will not go against his father in public. Even in the recent public meeting at Dharmapuri he says that he wishes to fulfill the dreams of his father (Ramadoss). A statement might be released after the district functionaries’ meeting,” a source close to Anbumani told ThePrint.
‘Anbumani lying shamelessly’
Referring to Anbumani’s speech at Dharmapuri on 25 May, Ramadoss accused him of trying to divert public and party workers’ attention and garner sympathy to “cover up his mistakes”. He also emphasised it was his duty to respond to Anbumani’s actions “even if it means using bitter words instead of sweet ones.”
On 25 May, Anbumani said he was in “distress” for the last few months over the issues within the party.
Ramadoss also said Anbumani opposed the appointment of honorary president G.K. Mani’s son Tamil Kumaran at a party post.
“I had suggested using Tamil Kumaran for the party’s development, believing his involvement in cinema could boost the party’s growth. However, Anbumani opposed this and tore up the appointment letter of Tamil Kumaran before the person handing over the letter could even leave the premises,” Ramadoss said.
He also alleged Anbumani attempted to hit his mother with a glass bottle during the Pongal celebration when she inquired about the appointment of Mukundan, who is the son of Ramadoss’ daughter, to a party post.
“When she just asked about the appointment of Mukundan, he threw a glass bottle at her. Fortunately, it did not hit her,” Ramadoss alleged. He further accused Anbumani of lacking maturity and disrupting the party built on duty, dignity, and discipline.
“He has been a continuous obstacle to the party’s growth. He has been preventing party functionaries from speaking at executive meetings and stifling discussions crucial for the party’s growth,” Ramadoss said, adding Anbumani lacks leadership qualities.
Ramadoss also shared an incident from six years ago when the two were returning from Delhi after attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in 2019.
“When we were in the flight, he just declared to me that he would take over the party. This brought tears to my eyes, and I returned to Thailapuram without responding. Anbumani later confined him to his home, closing the gates and restricting his movements,” Ramadoss claimed
He accused Anbumani of “lying shamelessly”, instructing 108 party district secretaries not to attend meetings called by Ramadoss, resulting in only eight attendees. “He shamelessly lied to everyone that I was convening the meeting to remove him from the party. He is stifling the party’s growth,” Ramadoss said.
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)
Also Read: With Kanimozhi, A Raja among 7 new zonal in-charges, DMK steals a march in 2026 TN poll prep