PMK founder Ramadoss releases election manifesto, promises caste-based census

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S. Ramadoss on Thursday (March 26, 2026) released his faction’s election manifesto for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. His estranged son Anbumani, who is the PMK president, earlier joined the AIADMK-led alliance, and the party has been allocated 18 seats.

The 101-page manifesto, released by Mr. Ramadoss, outlined several promises, including quality, compulsory, and free education, total prohibition in Tamil Nadu, 10.5% internal reservation for Vanniyars, improvements to the health sector, and establishment of agro-based industries.

The manifesto also promised to develop agriculture, ensure social justice for all communities, and conduct a caste-based census. It said the government continued to evade the issue, while several States had successfully completed caste-based enumeration and implemented welfare measures.

Former PMK president G.K. Mani spelt out the promises for journalists and government employees, and those relating to rural development and other issues. The manifesto promised the filling up of over 5 lakh vacancies in the Tamil Nadu government, waiver of loans availed of by self-help groups, effective implementation of the old-age pension scheme, construction of check dams across all major rivers in the State, effective water management system, and remunerative prices for farmers.

Replying to a question, Mr. Ramadoss said the list of candidates of his faction would be announced shortly.

The party had joined hands with V.K. Sasikala’s All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AIPTMMK) for this election. “We will hold discussions with the AIPTMMK and decide on the number of seats to be contested by both the parties,” he said.