Ramadoss seeks to play down rift, hopes for a ‘miracle’ to amicably settle the dispute

PMK founder S. Ramadoss addresses rift with son Anbumani, emphasizing democratic leadership and social justice goals.

PMK founder S. Ramadoss on Sunday sought to play down the ongoing rift with his son and PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss.

At a press conference, Dr. Ramadoss said that office-bearers abstaining from the meetings called by him was not ‘uncommon’ in political parties. “Some people will go there; some will come here. We will change the district secretaries based on their performance. There is no confusion,” he said. Asked when he would meet his son, Dr. Anbumani, he said ‘miracles do happen’.

Dr. Anbumani, who met office-bearers from southern districts on the third day, said Dr. Ramadoss was the symbol of ‘social justice’ and that PMK was founded in order to come to power. “We can develop Tamil Nadu only when we have the power. Caste census is not just for Vanniyars; but 377 communities are benefitting due to reservation. Still, we do not know how many communities are not receiving the benefits of reservation. I am going to go on a yatra across Tamil Nadu,” he said.

Dr. Anbumani reiterated, “There will be no permanent leader in this party. This is a democratic party. President is elected by the general council.”