'Weed that needs to be removed': PMK founder Ramadoss expels son; Anbumani camp dismisses it as invalid

VILLUPURAM: The rift over control of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) reached a peak Thursday, with founder S Ramadoss expelling his son Anbumani for “anti-party activities”. Anbumani’s camp, however, dismissed the expulsion as “invalid”.Anbumani can launch his own party but not appropriate PMK, Ramadoss told reporters at his Thailapuram residence in Villupuram. Describing Anbumani as a weed that needs to be removed, the PMK founder said he lacked leadership qualities.The decision comes in the wake of Anbumani ignoring two showcause notices issued by a Ramadoss-constituted disciplinary committee. The second deadline set for Anbumani to respond to 16 charges levelled by the committee passed Wednesday.

“The committee had sent the notices to Anbumani. However, he neither responded nor provided any explanation. Therefore, we concluded that the accusations against him were valid and justified. Hence, Anbumani is removed from the position of working president and from basic membership of the party,” Ramadoss said.PMK spokesperson K Balu, who belongs to Anbumani’s camp, said what Ramadoss said was not binding on the party and was against the bylaws of PMK. “Based on the bylaws and the communication sent by the Election Commission of India, Anbumani will continue to remain as PMK president.”