PMK Founder S. Ramadoss and Anbumani Reunite, Signalling End to Bitter 18-Month Leadership Rift

In a significant development for the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), party founder Dr S. Ramadoss and PMK president Dr Anbumani Ramadoss appeared to have reconciled , bringing an end to a prolonged and public leadership dispute that had divided the party for over a year.

Anbumani, accompanied by his wife and PMK MLA Sowmya Anbumani , along with their children , visited his father at the family's Thailapuram residence in Villupuram district on Wednesday. Visuals from the meeting showed Anbumani seeking his father's blessings before the two shared an emotional embrace. The senior leader was also seen spending time with his grandchildren.

Speaking to reporters later, Anbumani said he had visited his father on the occasion of his parents' wedding anniversary and expressed optimism about the future, remarking that "good things will happen from now on."

The reunion comes after an 18-month feud that began in late 2024 and escalated into a bitter battle over control of the party. In September 2025, Dr S. Ramadoss expelled his son from PMK, while both sides pursued legal and Election Commission proceedings over the party's leadership and organisational control.

Despite the conflict, Anbumani's faction contested the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as part of the AIADMK-led NDA alliance , winning four seats, including that of Sowmya Anbumani. During the same period, the elder Ramadoss backed a separate political alignment.

The reconciliation could have important implications for PMK's future. A united leadership may help streamline the party's organisational structure, reduce factionalism, and strengthen cadre morale. It could also provide greater clarity on alliance decisions ahead of upcoming elections, enabling PMK to negotiate from a stronger position within Tamil Nadu's evolving political landscape. The reunion is likely to be viewed as a crucial step toward restoring party unity and consolidating its electoral prospects.