The Aryavarth Express
Chennai (Tamil Nadu): The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), led by its founder S Ramadoss, on Wednesday issued a strong clarification asserting that only Ramadoss is authorised to hold and finalise electoral alliance talks on behalf of the party. The statement came hours after AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami announced PMK’s inclusion in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) following a meeting with Anbumani Ramadoss.
In an official statement, PMK said its Executive Committee and General Council have unanimously empowered S Ramadoss to negotiate all alliance-related matters, stressing that no other individual has the authority to do so in the party’s name.
“No political party can hold alliance talks with Anbumani or with anyone else claiming an electoral alliance with the Pattali Makkal Katchi. Only Dr Ramadoss has been authorised by the Executive Committee and the General Council to negotiate electoral alliances,” the statement said.
The party further clarified that, following a judgment of the Delhi High Court, S Ramadoss continues as the Founder-President and leader of PMK. It added that with effect from December 17, 2025, Ramadoss was elected as the party’s President, a decision approved by both the Executive Committee and the General Council and duly communicated to the Election Commission in line with its guidelines.
Reiterating its position, PMK cautioned political parties against engaging in alliance discussions with Anbumani Ramadoss or any other individual claiming to represent the party in electoral matters.
“Following the judgment of the Delhi High Court, Dr Ayya alone continues to serve as the Founder-President of the Pattali Makkal Katchi and to lead the party. With effect from 17.12.2025, Dr Ayya was elected as the President, approved by the Executive Committee and the General Council, and the same has been communicated in accordance with the instructions of the Election Commission,” the statement added.
The clarification comes against the backdrop of an ongoing rift within the party. In September 2025, Anbumani Ramadoss was expelled from PMK by his father, S Ramadoss, on charges of “destroying the party.” However, the Election Commission subsequently allowed Anbumani to continue as PMK chief, after which he reaffirmed his position and commitment to the party.
Earlier on Wednesday, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami announced PMK’s induction into the NDA ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Addressing a press conference in Chennai alongside Anbumani Ramadoss, Palaniswami said the AIADMK was already part of the NDA and hinted that more parties could join the alliance.
“The PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss has also joined the NDA alliance. More parties are also expected to join. Our alliance is a victory alliance,” Palaniswami said.
Anbumani Ramadoss echoed the announcement, stating, “PMK has joined hands with the AIADMK to form an alliance with the NDA.”
