Chennai, July 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder Dr S. Ramadoss on Saturday announced his retirement from active politics on 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 and PMK president, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss.
The announcement was made during his birthday celebrations at his Thaiyur Estate near Tindivanam, where Anbumani Ramadoss met his father and sought his blessings.
Addressing party workers, Ramadoss said he was embracing “political renunciation” and would no longer comment on or interfere in political matters. He urged visitors not to discuss politics with him in future, adding that Anbumani would henceforth handle all political responsibilities of the party.
The announcement was welcomed by party workers and is being viewed as a formal transfer of political leadership within the PMK.
The development comes after months of a widely reported rift between the father and son over organisational and leadership issues, which had created uncertainty within the Vanniyar-based party. The differences had led to the emergence of rival camps and sparked speculation about a possible split, prompting repeated appeals from senior leaders and cadres for reconciliation.
Saturday’s public appearance by the two leaders together, coupled with Ramadoss’ announcement, is seen as an effort to end the internal discord and present a united front ahead of future political challenges.
Political leaders from across party lines also extended birthday greetings to Ramadoss, acknowledging his contribution to Tamil Nadu politics and his role in building the PMK into a prominent regional political party over more than four decades.
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