‘Panruti’ Ramachandran launches new party, MGR ADMK

Former Tamil Nadu Minister 'Panruti' Ramachandran announces the launch of MGR ADMK, focusing on ideology over identity politics.

Former Tamil Nadu Minister ‘Panruti’ S. Ramachandran, on Thursday (February 19, 2026), announced the formation of a party - MGR Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MGR ADMK), while addressing journalists at Chennai.  

The party would hold a conference in Kancheepuram on February 23 to mark its inauguration, according to Mr. Ramachandran, who served as Minister in the DMK and AIADMK governments headed by M. Karunanidhi and M.G. Ramachandran during the 1970s and 1980s.

The former Minister, who was till recently with the camp led by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, told reporters that his party would strive for the creation of a society, wherein equal opportunities should be ensured for all. “Politics of identity must be replaced by politics of ideology,” he observed, unveiling the party flag having the colours of black, white and red.

Though his party would not participate in elections, its members would be free to join hands with likeminded parties at the time of polls and they could contest as independents.

To a query which parties were in contention for the Assembly poll, Mr. Ramachandran replied that the contest would be between the DMK and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

He refuted a suggestion that his decision was made under the pressure of the TVK’s leader K.A. Sengottaiyan, who was expelled from the AIADMK in October last.