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Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Anbumani lauds father during protest; Ramadoss sacks 3 MLAs
Chennai: Against the backdrop of a leadership struggle in the party, the PMK protest demanding 10.5% quota for vanniyars turned into a show of strength by party president Anbumani Ramadoss on Sunday in Villupuram. Speaking amid PMK cadre who gathered from various districts, Anbumani said that ideally vanniyars should be given 18% reservation proportionate to their population. But the 10.5% quota was non–negotiable, he said. Party founder S Ramadoss skipped the protest organized by Anbumani and cracked down on Anbumani supporters by announcing that three PMK MLAs who participated in the stir were being suspended from the party. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai Nevertheless, Anbumani praised his father Ramadoss during the protest which coincided with the 46th foundation day of Vanniyar Sangam. Anbumani said the '45 year long protest' by Ramadoss for a separate reservation for vanniyars was longer than the independence struggle undertaken by Gandhi. "Gandhi came to India in 1915 and protested for India's independence until 1947. When compared to that protest, the protest by our ayya (Ramadoss) for a separate reservation for Vanniyars is even longer," Anbumani said. Anbumani attacked the DMK govt for not providing reservation for vanniyars while using the community to get votes. "As many as 23 of the 133 DMK MLAs and 5 MPs are vanniyars, but the party is refusing to provide reservation for vanniyars. Even vanniyar MLAs in DMK are not demanding separate quota for the community," Anbumani said. Earlier, Ramadoss hoisted the Vanniyar Sangam flag at his Thailapuram residence marking the foundation day. Speaking to reporters, Ramadoss said he "wishes success for everyone who protests for the vanniyar cause." However, after the protest, Ramadoss announced that three party MLAs, S Sadhasivam (Mettur), C Sivakumar (Mailam), and S P Venkateshwaran (Dharmapuri), and party spokesperson K Balu will be suspended from the party for "acting against the interest of the party."
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Those who ignore my words should not bear my surname: PMK founder Ramadoss
Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S. Ramadoss on Thursday said those who refused to heed his words should not use his name as their 'middle' or 'last' name. His statement comes against the backdrop of the ongoing feud with his son and party leader Anbumani Ramadoss. Talking to journalists at Kumbakonam he said those who did not want to act as per his words or directions should not use his name. 'They can use the first letter of my name Ramadoss as initial though, he added in an obvious reference to Mr Anbumani.. Taking a dig at the PMK Thanjavur north district secretary, who is also the Chairman of Aduthurai Municipality, for displaying a photograph of Mr Anbumani n the stage where the Thanjavur-Tiruvarur district general council meeting of the PMK and the Vanniyar Sangam was held, said he would have displayed the photograph 'due to his affection towards When asked to respond to BJP leader, H. Raja's statement that it would be a treat to watch if the father and son worked together, he said, it was his (Raja's) wish. Responding to a follow up question whether Mr Raja's wish would become a reality, he replied by singing the first few words of a Tamil movie song – 'poga poga theriyum' (it shall be known in future).
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Anbumani says he will steer PMK, calls his father ‘family deity'
For the second day in a row, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Saturday addressed office-bearers of PMK and reiterated that his father and party founder S. Ramadoss continues to be the party's 'family deity', acknowledged his vision and hardwork in building the party, but made it clear that he will be the president and that the party would be steered by him in the future. Speaking to the office-bearers from PMK strongholds such as Dharmapuri, Salem, Erode, Namakkal and Kallakurichi districts, Dr. Anbumani urged them to undertake a membership drive in the next three weeks and said that that he would soon take out a yatra across Tamil Nadu to 'reclaim rights of the Tamil people'. 'After the membership drive, we also have plans regarding caste census. I will also undertake a yatra by foot for which I will announce the details soon. There is a lot of work to be done. You are the party; the PMK is not owned by a single person,' he told them. 'You are the reason why the Vanniyar youth conference was a big success. We are all in the same team. I will never think that you are my subordinates. You are all my colleagues,' he added. Dr. Anbumani said he would soon resolve the issues within the party and reassured office-bearers that 'nobody can remove or change anyone' in the party without his concurrence and signature. 'I have been appointed by the party general council as per laws and it has been acknowledged by the Election Commission. Only the party president should make appointments and sign on appointments. I understand how sad you are all, but you also know how bad I feel about what is happening within the party. Our strength is our youth... and many of you are here to do good for the community. PMK should rule the State,' he said. PMK general secretary Vadivel Ravanan, treasurer Thilagabama, Vanniyar Sangam State secretary Karthik, and MLAs S.P. Venkateswaran, S. Sadashivam and C. Sivakumar were also present. On the other hand, Pennagaram MLA and former president G.K. Mani said every cadre of the PMK wished that Dr. Anbumani and Dr. Ramadoss met to resolve the issues. 'If they meet and talk, it would give a lot of energy to the cadre. I had urged Dr. Ramadoss not to change the office-bearers, but he decided to anyway. We are talking continuously with both leaders to resolve this issue.' Mr. Mani added, 'Some say I am the reason for the that someone else or some other political party is the things cannot be accepted. Dr. Ramadoss has been politics for 45 years. Dr. Anbumani has been a union minister and achieved a lot. Do they have to be told what to do? Nobody else is responsible. This is happening due to unforeseen circumstances.' Mr. Mani said Dr. Ramadoss was in 'great mental stress'. 'I have told Dr. Ramadoss several times. I have taken two decisions — to leave everything and go somewhere or I shouldn't be alive. I am saying this because I am so distressed at what is happening in the party,' he said. (Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State's health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416. and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)
New Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
PMK founder Ramadoss warns of statewide stir if 10.5% quota not implemented for Vanniyars
VILLUPURAM: PMK founder S Ramadoss on Monday warned that Tamil Nadu would see a statewide agitation if the 10.5% internal reservation for Vanniyars is not implemented. He said the government should act to prevent such a protest. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of Vanniyar Sangam administrators held at Thailapuram, Ramadoss said, 'If the 10.5% internal quota is not granted, Tamil Nadu will face a protest that could bring the state to a standstill. It is the government's responsibility to prevent such a scenario.' Ramadoss said, 'This meeting was to strengthen the organisation, discuss principles, and ensure victory in the upcoming elections,' he said. Responding to questions on party responsibilities, Ramadoss said, 'Some media outlets are spreading false information. Both the party and the sangam are functioning as usual. An official announcement on the protest for the 10.5% quota will be made after discussions with all stakeholders.'
New Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Son seems to have upper hand as PMK secys skip meet called by Ramadoss
CHENNAI: The simmering discontent between PMK founder S Ramadoss and his son Anbumani Ramadoss was once again under spotlight on Friday when only a handful of the party's 108 district secretaries took part in a meeting convened by the former at his Thailapuram residence near Tindivanam. The absence may be seen as a clear signal of the district secretaries rallying behind Anbumani in his attempt to establish himself as the party president. Anbumani also didn't take part in the meeting. The Chithirai conference of the Vanniyar Sangam held in Mamallapuram on May 11 was viewed as a major success for the party, with a large number of cadres in attendance. The strong turnout was especially significant, as the event was held after a gap of more than a decade and the first since the death of prominent Vanniyar Sangam leader J Guru, a key crowd-puller who passed away in 2018. However, before the buzz around the conference had fully faded, the party was once again hit by internal turmoil as most functionaries skipped the meeting called by Ramadoss, whose word was once considered sacred by them. At the Friday meeting attended by only a handful of functionaries including two of the party's five MLAs -- GK Mani and R Arul -- Ramadoss reiterated the need for efforts at the grassroots-level to win 50 Assembly seats in the 2026 elections, a goal he had earlier outlined at the Mamallapuram conference.
