CHENNAI: PMK founder Ramadoss unveiled the party’s third list of nine candidates, while also expelling five functionaries — including three district secretaries — in a swift disciplinary move after they defected to another party.

With the latest announcement, the Ramadoss faction of the PMK, which is contesting the polls in alliance with VK Sasikala’s All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, has now named 24 candidates across three phases, following the earlier release of 15 nominees.

In a parallel move underscoring internal churn, Ramadoss announced the removal of AM Krishnan (Vellore), SVN Pablu (Kallakurichi West), Ko Ganapathi (Puducherry), K Janarthanam (Chengalpattu Central) and PK Jegan (Kallakurichi East).