CHENNAI: In a predicament for the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S Ramadoss, the faction led by Anbumani Ramadoss joining the AIADMK-led NDA has limited the choices of the senior leader, leading the ruling party to build pressure on the faction to contest under the DMK’s rising sun symbol.
The ruling DMK is reportedly holding alliance talks with the group led by party founder S Ramadoss and is pressing for its candidates to contest under the DMK’s “rising sun” symbol, which may be a tough call for the party founder to take.
Speculation has grown over the political alignment of the Ramadoss-led faction in the 2026 elections. The uncertainty intensified after Ramadoss, during a recent event at his Thailapuram, where application forms were distributed to aspirants seeking to contest the elections, praised the DMK government’s performance.
When asked whether his faction would align with the DMK-led alliance, which includes VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan, Dr Ramadoss had said that “anything can happen in elections.”
Following this remark, reports have emerged that Ramadoss has begun alliance discussions with the DMK. According to sources, talks are underway for the Ramadoss faction to contest the elections under the DMK’s symbol.
Sources further said the DMK is considering allotting five Assembly seats to the Ramadoss-led PMK faction. Names doing the rounds include senior leader GK Mani, Arul, Ramadoss’s daughter Srikanthi, as possible candidates.
While neither the DMK nor the Ramadoss faction has officially confirmed the talks, the developments are expected to have an impact on alliance dynamics.