PMK reconciliation: Dr Anbumani Ramadoss meets Dr S Ramadoss after leadership dispute

PMK leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss visited party founder Dr S Ramadoss at his Thailapuram residence, signalling a family reconciliation after a prolonged leadership dispute. Accompanied by his wife, legislator Sowmya, and their children, Anbumani sought blessings and spoke of better days ahead. The meeting follows earlier political disagreements over alliance choices.

PMK leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss on Wednesday appeared to have settled differences with party founder Dr S Ramadoss. Dr Anbumani Ramadoss visited Dr S Ramadoss at the Thailapuram home in Villupuram district. Dr Anbumani Ramadoss arrived with legislator wife Sowmya and children. The meeting signalled a possible end to a long public dispute.

During the visit, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss fell at the feet of Dr S Ramadoss. Dr S Ramadoss embraced Dr Anbumani Ramadoss in an emotional moment. A video of the two hugging spread widely on social media. Dr S Ramadoss was seen crying and then spending time with grandchildren. The images suggested warmth after months of tension.

PMK leadership tussle and Dr Anbumani Ramadoss visit

Later, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss told reporters the call was linked to Dr S Ramadoss’s wedding day. "Good things will happen from now on,\" Dr Anbumani Ramadoss said. The remark added to talk of a family reunion. Observers linked the meeting to the earlier leadership tussle in the PMK. The split had played out openly for months.

The reconciliation came after political bitterness ahead of the April Assembly elections. Dr Anbumani Ramadoss’s side fought in the NDA camp. Dr S Ramadoss chose a different path and made a poll pact with V K Sasikala’s outfit. Their separate alliances deepened the dispute inside the party. The public row had also confused supporters about control.

PMK dispute timeline and Election Commission appeal

The differences had been visible since December 2024, a party source said. Dr S Ramadoss expelled Dr Anbumani Ramadoss from the party on September 11, 2025. The rift then grew sharper across an 18-month period. Dr S Ramadoss later approached the Election Commission and the court. Dr S Ramadoss also urged cadres to keep away from Dr Anbumani Ramadoss.

Despite the clash, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss continued to claim full control of the PMK. The party source said Dr Anbumani Ramadoss would keep complete control now. The same source said Dr S Ramadoss would concentrate on health matters. The Thailapuram meeting therefore carried both personal and political weight. It also hinted at a calmer internal setup.

PMK NDA pact and April 23 Assembly election result

Dr Anbumani Ramadoss had joined the AIADMK-led NDA for the April 23 Assembly election. The PMK contested 18 seats under that arrangement and won four. The winners were Sowmya, A Ganesh Kumar, C Sivakumar and G Vaithilingam. The results showed the party retained a limited but clear presence. The latest reunion may affect future choices.

The emotional visit, the public video, and the later statement added up to a strong signal of reconciliation. The earlier dispute had included expulsions and legal steps, alongside competing alliances. The party source indicated Dr Anbumani Ramadoss would run the organisation, while Dr S Ramadoss would step back for health reasons. For now, the family meeting has eased a visible political standoff.

With inputs from PTI