PMK Founder Ramadoss May Boycott Tamil Nadu Election as Alliance Talks Stall

Seat-sharing negotiations are currently underway within the DMK and AIADMK alliances in Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has already announced that it will contest the election independently. In the AIADMK alliance, the faction of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) led by Anbumani Ramadoss has been allotted a Rajya Sabha seat, and the party is reportedly seeking 17 constituencies from the alliance leadership.

However, the faction led by PMK founder S. Ramadoss has not yet confirmed its participation in any alliance. In this context, V.K. Sasikala visited Thailapuram a day earlier and held discussions with Ramadoss.

Reports initially suggested that the two leaders had discussed the possibility of joining hands with TVK and moving forward as a separate alliance. However, that possibility now appears to have closed as well. As a result, Ramadoss is said to be consulting senior leaders within his camp about the next course of action.

Earlier, a close supporter of Ramadoss had submitted a petition in a Delhi court in connection with an ongoing case regarding the registration of a political party named “Ayya PMK.” The Election Commission, however, rejected the request. Meanwhile, the case being heard in the Chennai civil court has now been adjourned to April.

With the case being repeatedly postponed and a final decision likely only after the elections, the situation has created significant complications for Ramadoss’ continued political journey.

Since the party’s traditional “Mango” symbol is unlikely to be available for now, Ramadoss faces the possibility of fielding his supporting administrators under a new symbol, almost like independent candidates. Political observers say that, in order to protect his political dignity — and to avoid repeating the mistake made by his son of contesting alone and failing even to secure deposits — the only practical option before Ramadoss may be to consider boycotting the election.

Even if he takes a decision to boycott the polls in the name of the party under these circumstances, sources say Ramadoss is also discussing another strategy with close senior leaders and relatives. According to these discussions, he may announce his support for a particular side just a few days before voting, thereby attempting to send a political message to those he considers his adversaries.

Sources also say that this ongoing internal consultation is the reason why Ramadoss skipped the press interaction scheduled  on Thursday.