Age is only a number, says Ramadoss; hints at resolution of conflict with son

Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S. Ramadoss. File | Photo Credit: M. Samraj

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S. Ramadoss on Sunday (June 8, 2025) said, “Age is only a number”, reeling out names of popular ‘older’ politicians such as former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed, suggesting he still has enough fight in him in politics. However, he appeared optimistic about giving “good news” about the resolution of his conflict with his son Anbumani Ramadoss, which threatens to split the party.

Also read: Anbumani not to react to Ramadoss’ accusations, plans three-day meet with PMK functionaries

Interacting with journalists in Chennai, Dr. Ramadoss confirmed he did meet with RSS ideologue and Thuglak editor S. Gurumurthy again in Chennai (following an earlier meeting in his native town), but refused to reveal whether discussions with him and with Dr. Anbumani, were fruitful.

PMK’s party constitution

Sources in the party said Dr. Ramadoss is seeking larger share of the powers to operate while asking Dr. Anbumani to continue as the “working president”. Dr. Anbumani has reportedly agreed to allow his father to take the lead in deciding the electoral alliance and negotiating the seats while he wished to remaining as the party’s “president”, a post to which he was earlier anointed unanimously.

Also read: Making Anbumani a Cabinet Minister was my mistake: PMK founder Ramadoss

“Dr. Ayya (Ramadoss) wants powers to sign Form A and Form B too, which would give him powers over selection of candidates and make appointments. But, Dr. Anbumani wants to be allowed to continue as president and make appointments within the party,” said a senior leader.

In the party’s bylaws, Rule 13 states that party founder should be invited and his guidance is necessary to call for the general council and executive council meetings.

However, Rule 15 explicitly states the party president, appointed by the general council, will head the party’s political committee, executive council, general council, and state conference and has the powers to control the party’s funds, properties owned by the party and its bank accounts.

Rule 12 states that the general council will consist of district presidents, district secretaries, treasurer, vice-president, deputy secretary and area secretaries at the Union, Town Panchayats, municipal corporations and corporations along with representatives from linguistic, religious, and caste-based minorities.

The executive council will consist of party president, general secretary, treasurer, organisation secretary, deputy general secretaries, vice-presidents, headquarters secretaries, disciplinary action committee members, property protection group and district presidents and secretaries make up the party’s executive council.

A senior leader says while it is true that general council has to be held in the presence of the party founder and its affairs conducted under his guidance, it is not binding on the general council to accept his guidance or decisions.

“The president continues to have the powers to appoint office bearers, which makes up the general council. Ultimately, the general council can reject his guidance. This is perhaps why Doctor Ayya began removing and re-appointing district president, secretaries and other office bearers. But, I don’t think he (Dr. Ramadoss) has the powers to do it,” he added.

Published - June 08, 2025 10:34 pm IST