NEW DELHI: In an effort to galvanise supporters for the upcoming general council meeting, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S Ramadoss has made an emotional appeal to party cadre, office-bearers, urging them to stand with truth and conscience to galvanise support, in what appears as an apparent bid to wean away support from son, Anbumani.

The PMK founder shared with supporters a five-minute video clip urging that it was more than a war between a father and his son, after the latter's faction questioned the legitimacy of the GC meeting.

Pointing out that the general council meeting is scheduled to be held in Salem on Sunday, Ramadoss stated that the meeting is not a routine organisational event, but marks the “rebirth of the real PMK.”

Clarifying the purpose of the meeting, Ramadoss asserted that it is neither a family dispute nor a struggle for positions, but a fight to protect the soul of the movement built through the collective hard work of thousands of cadres. The senior leader criticised Anbumani Ramadoss, saying he claims to be the president of PMK despite being removed from the post. The father hit out at the son for poor attendance in Parliament sessions during his stint as MP.

Referring to the party's recent decline, from having 20 MLAs once to losing the Election Commission's recognition, he took a dig at his son Anbumani, claiming that lack of hard work and irresponsible leadership were the reasons behind it.

Ramadoss pointed out that despite the party’s defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, Anbumani was provided a Rajya Sabha seat. He highlighted that Anbumani’s Parliament attendance stands at only 30%, compared to the national average of 80% and the Tamil Nadu average of 75%.

He also noted that demands related to party leadership are currently under legal scrutiny, raising a fundamental question: “How can a party progress when doubts arise at its very foundation?”

Ramadoss said the Salem general council meeting would mark the beginning of a new chapter for PMK. He expressed confidence that in the coming months, the party would win at least 25 Assembly constituencies, become part of governance, and regain its lost recognition and party symbol.

“This may even be my last political battle. But until my last breath, I will continue to fight for this movement and for my people.”

He called upon the PMK cadre to attend the Salem general council to reinstate the real PMK.

A few days ago, the Anbumani faction issued a statement clarifying that the Salem meeting is not a valid general council.