COIMBATORE: Responding to Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss' statement 'sacking' him from the party, party founder S Ramadoss's close aide GK Mani on Friday claimed that Anbumani has no authority to expel him from the party.
Speaking to the media after discussions with party functionaries in Salem, Mani said the power to expel anyone from the party rests solely with its founder, S Ramadoss. “I have been with Ramadoss for 46 years and have served as the party’s president for 25 years. Anbumani does not have the authority to remove me from the party. Only Ramadoss has the power to admit or remove anyone from the party,” he said.
Taking a further dig at Anbumani, Mani said if Anbumani wished to remain in the party, he should personally meet Ramadoss and seek his approval. “I was the one who fought and argued to bring Anbumani into politics. Who ensured that he became a Union minister? He should speak with conscience,” he said, adding that it was he who projected Anbumani as the Chief Ministerial candidate and worked to build a youth wing for the party.
“PMK is like a banyan tree, and Ramadoss is its strength, and those disrespecting him will face the consequences,” he said.
Mani said no alliance talks have been initiated with any political party. “Ramadoss will announce positive news on the alliance at the appropriate time,” he said.
Later, Mani unveiled the logo for the executive and general council meetings and affixed it on vehicles of party functionaries on Friday.