Chennai: Signs of deepening uncertainty within the Pattali Makkal Katchi have come to the fore, as internal divisions and stalled alliance negotiations place its founder S. Ramadoss in an increasingly constrained political position ahead of the Withdrawal.

The party, now visibly split between factions led by Anbumani Ramadoss and his father Ramadoss, is grappling with both organisational and strategic challenges. With the party’s name and symbol currently aligned with Anbumani, a majority of functionaries and cadre have gravitated towards his camp, leaving the Ramadoss faction struggling to retain relevance.

Efforts by the senior leader to explore an understanding with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam appear to have hit a dead end. Sources indicate that resistance from Thol. Thirumavalavan—who has maintained that his party would not share space with PMK in any alliance—effectively closed that option.

Against this backdrop, a pending legal challenge filed by Ramadoss—seeking to restrain Anbumani from using the party’s name and symbol, as well as contesting the Election Commission’s recognition of him as party president—continues to hang over the political calculations.

A crucial executive committee meeting of the Ramadoss faction was held at Thailapuram on Thursday under his leadership. Among those present were senior leaders including G.K. Mani, Srikanthi, MLA Arul from Salem West, general secretary Murali Shankar, treasurer Syed Mansoor Hussain, and Mukundan, Ramadoss’s grandson.

According to participants, one line of discussion favoured a solo electoral contest to demonstrate the faction’s independent vote base and send a political message to the rival camp. However, Ramadoss is learnt to have dismissed the proposal, citing the risk of further weakening the party’s standing.

Alternative options were also explored, including the possibility of aligning with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, or with the outfit associated with V. K. Sasikala. A section of leaders even suggested boycotting the Withdrawal altogether if a viable alliance failed to materialise.

Speaking to reporters before the meeting concluded, MLA Arul struck a cautiously optimistic note, stating that there remained time until April 6 for a final decision. “A strong alliance is still possible, and the founder will announce it,” he said, while also asserting his intention to contest and win from Salem West, regardless of the symbol allotted.

He also levelled allegations against Anbumani, accusing him of attempting to mislead both the Election Commission and the courts—remarks that underscore the intensifying intra-party conflict.

Later in the evening, G.K. Mani indicated that consultations were ongoing and that a decision on alliances and constituencies would be announced within days. “It is too early to confirm partners. At the same time, it cannot be said that expected alliances have failed,” he said, describing the meeting as “significant” in shaping the next steps.

Responding to questions on whether Ramadoss had been politically isolated, Mani maintained that the leader’s influence remained intact, even as he acknowledged the current organisational strain. “The situation is challenging, otherwise an alliance would have been announced earlier,” he said.

With competing factions pulling in different directions and alliance doors narrowing, the PMK’s electoral path appears increasingly uncertain, underscoring the high stakes in Tamil Nadu’s shifting political landscape.