As Tamil Nadu gears up for the upcoming assembly elections, political tensions are simmering within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). Founder S. Ramdoss finds himself at the center of a brewing storm over alliance decisions, with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) ramping up pressure to secure PMK’s support.
The PMK, a key player among Vanniyar communities in northern Tamil Nadu, has long been a sought-after partner in the state’s fractured political landscape. Ramdoss, the party’s towering figure even after handing over formal leadership to his son Anbumani, wields significant influence. Recent meetings and backchannel talks reveal DMK’s aggressive push to bring PMK into its fold, promising lucrative seat shares and cabinet berths.
However, internal dissent within PMK is growing louder. Cadres loyal to the party’s Hindutva-leaning faction oppose aligning with DMK, citing ideological clashes and past rivalries. Ramdoss faces a dilemma: succumbing to DMK’s overtures could alienate core supporters, while rejecting them risks isolation in a bipolar contest dominated by DMK and AIADMK fronts.
Sources close to the developments indicate that DMK chief M.K. Stalin has personally intervened, dispatching emissaries to PMK headquarters in Tholudur. The pressure tactics include reminders of PMK’s poor solo performance in 2021 polls, where it won just one seat despite contesting 180.
Ramdoss’s public silence masks frantic behind-the-scenes negotiations. Party insiders reveal heated debates in strategy sessions, with younger leaders pushing for BJP ties instead, eyeing central government patronage. Yet, DMK’s incumbency advantage and welfare schemes make it a tempting proposition.
The alliance deadlock could reshape Tamil Nadu’s electoral math. PMK commands 5-7% vote share, pivotal in 25-30 constituencies. A DMK-PMK tie-up would bolster the ruling front’s northern flank, potentially squeezing AIADMK’s space.
As deadlines loom for candidate announcements, Ramdoss must navigate this high-stakes chessboard. One wrong move, and PMK risks fading into irrelevance. The coming weeks will test the veteran’s political acumen like never before.