In a dramatic turn of events that has sent ripples through Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder Dr. S Ramadoss has reclaimed the role of party president, effectively demoting his son and successor, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, to the position of working president. The announcement, made from Ramadoss’s Thailapuram residence in Villupuram district, signals a significant power shift within the PMK and underscores the growing ideological chasm between father and son.

Ramadoss stated his decision unequivocally, asserting that as the founder of the party, it was his prerogative to take on the leadership mantle once again. “As the founder of the party, I have decided to assume the role of the President of Pattali Makkal Katchi as well. Anbumani, who has worked for the party, will be the working president,” he told reporters.This leader ship reshuffle overturns the 2022 transition, in which Anbumani officially took charge of the party, marking what many believed would be a generational shift in PMK’s politics. However, the latest move highlights internal discord and sets the stage for a deeper transformation in the party’s approach and alliances.

Ideological Differences and the BJP Factor

At the heart of this leadership reversal lies a fundamental disagreement over the party’s future direction, particularly its growing proximity to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sources close to the party suggest that the elder Ramadoss has grown increasingly wary of aligning with the BJP, a move largely attributed to Anbumani’s leadership. During a tense party council meeting held in Puducherry in December 2024, these ideological differences reportedly came to the surface, leading to an open confrontation between the two leaders.

S Ramadoss has long championed the PMK’s original mission—to safeguard and promote the interests of the Vanniyar community, a socially and politically significant group in Tamil Nadu’s northern and central districts. He is said to favour aligning the party once again with regional Dravidian forces, such as the AIADMK or DMK, to retain its relevance and ideological consistency. In contrast, Anbumani Ramadoss has steered the party towards a more development-focused agenda, with an emphasis on healthcare, education, and economic growth. His willingness to partner with the BJP has raised eyebrows among PMK’s traditional support base, which is deeply rooted in caste identity and regional pride.

PMK’s Influence in Tamil Nadu Politics

Since its inception in 1989, the PMK has played a key role in Tamil Nadu’s dynamic coalition politics. Though its vote share has hovered around five per cent in recent elections, it remains a sought-after ally due to its dedicated Vanniyar vote bank. Over the years, the PMK has partnered with both the AIADMK and the DMK, often tilting the balance in tight electoral contests. The current internal shake-up, however, comes at a time when the party’s influence appears to be waning. Analysts believe that S Ramadoss’s return to the top post is a strategic attempt to restore the party’s core identity and reconnect with its grassroots supporters, particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

While the decision may stabilize the internal rift temporarily, it also raises questions about succession planning within the party. Anbumani, who had positioned himself as the future face of PMK, now finds himself in a reduced role—raising speculation about whether he will continue in the party with the same vigor or carve out a new political path. Observers also note that this move could potentially impact the party’s external alliances. If S Ramadoss insists on distancing PMK from the BJP, it could realign coalition strategies in Tamil Nadu, especially as national parties gear up for the next round of elections. What remains to be seen is whether this leadership reversal will revive the party’s fortunes or deepen internal divisions. Either way, S Ramadoss’s return marks a critical juncture for the PMK, signaling both a reassertion of its foundational ideology and a recalibration of its political alliances.