Amid family rift, PMK founder Ramadoss admitted to hospital

CHENNAI: After PMK founder Dr S. Ramadoss was admitted to a hospital here, the authorities said that his condition was stable and an angiogram will be performed on Monday.

He was admitted on Sunday for a detailed cardiac evaluation, and the 85-year-old veteran underwent preliminary heart tests. Hospital sources said Dr Ramadoss was admitted for observation after routine evaluations suggested further investigation.

“He is stable and under close medical supervision,” a source familiar with the developments said, adding that doctors are exercising caution given his age and busy political engagements.

The development comes amid a growing and unmistakable rift between Dr Ramadoss and his son, party president Dr Anbumani Ramadoss.

Once seen as a unified leadership, the two now appear to be working on separate tracks. Dr Ramadoss, long regarded as the party’s ideological force, has in recent weeks asserted his authority by directly engaging with senior cadres and district leaders, bypassing the formal structures overseen by his son.

A key move that signalled this internal tension was Dr Ramadoss’ decision to appoint Tamil Kumar -- son of PMK former legislative party leader and long-time confidant G.K. Mani -- as the president of the party’s youth wing. The post has traditionally been a stronghold of Dr Anbumani, who built his political career leading the youth front before taking over the party presidency.

Political observers interpret this appointment as a clear message from the founder that he intends to retain influence over the next generation of the party.