Chennai: In a significant development, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder Dr S. Ramadoss on Saturday announced his retirement from active politics as he celebrated his 88th birthday, declaring that he would no longer involve himself in political affairs and that the party’s future would now be led by his son, PMK president Dr Anbumani Ramadoss.
The announcement came during a birthday gathering at Ramadoss’ Thaiyur Estate near Tindivanam, where Anbumani Ramadoss visited his father earlier in the day to seek his blessings.
The occasion marked a rare public appearance by the father and son together after months of strained relations that had triggered uncertainty within the party.
Addressing party workers and supporters, Ramadoss said he was embracing “political renunciation” at the age of 88. “From today onwards, I will not speak about politics. I will not interfere in political matters. Anbumani will take care of politics hereafter. I will continue to meet everyone who comes to see me. We can enquire about each other’s well-being, but do not speak to me about politics. Please do not trouble me with political matters anymore,” he said.
His announcement was greeted with applause from party cadres present at the venue.
The declaration assumes significance against the backdrop of a prolonged and highly publicised rift between Ramadoss and Anbumani that had divided the PMK in recent months. Differences over the party’s organisational structure, leadership style and decision-making had led to open disagreements between the father and son, with rival camps emerging within the party.
The internal conflict had raised questions over the PMK’s future direction and electoral strategy, prompting repeated appeals from senior leaders and cadres for reconciliation. Although both leaders had publicly maintained that the differences were internal party matters, the dispute had fuelled speculation about a possible split in the Vanniyar-based political party.
Supporters on either side had also engaged in competing demonstrations, further exposing the extent of the divide. Saturday’s birthday celebrations and Ramadoss’ announcement, made in Anbumani’s presence, are widely being viewed as a symbolic transfer of political responsibility to the younger leader and an attempt to bring an end to months of internal discord.
Political leaders from across party lines extended birthday greetings to Dr Ramadoss, acknowledging his long public life and his role in shaping the PMK into a significant regional political force in Tamil Nadu. His retirement marks the end of an era spanning more than four decades in Tamil Nadu politics.
(IANS)
