CHENNAI: PMK founder Ramadoss is being shifted from a hospital in Salem to Chennai for further treatment after he collapsed during an election campaign. He is expected to be admitted to Apollo Hospitals, sources said.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, Ramadoss fainted after concluding a campaign event at Pallapatti in Salem district on Sunday (April 12). Party workers rushed him to a private hospital in Kuranguchavadi, where he was given first aid before being moved to another facility in Seelanaickenpatti for advanced care.

The incident comes amid an ongoing political rift within the Pattali Makkal Katchi, with differences between Ramadoss and his son Anbumani Ramadoss. While Anbumani has aligned with the NDA for the upcoming Assembly elections and secured the party’s ‘mango’ symbol, Ramadoss’ attempts to reclaim the party and symbol were unsuccessful.

Subsequently, Ramadoss forged an alliance with V K Sasikala and her faction, and had announced candidates. With campaigning intensifying ahead of the April 23 Assembly polls, both factions have been actively mobilising support separately.