Tamil Nadu Police Deny Permit for PMK Leader Anbumani’s Padayatra

Quick Summary

• Tamil Nadu police have rejected permission for a 100-day padayatra announced by Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Anbumani Ramadoss.
• The rejection follows a petition from his father and PMK founder, S. Ramadoss.
• Despite the decision, Anbumani launched the padayatra near Thiruporur on Friday evening and addressed a public meeting.
• The Director-General of Police stated that any padayatra without written consent from the “founder/president” of the PMK is not permitted.
• A leadership dispute exists within PMK: S. Ramadoss claims he is party president, designating Anbumani as “working president,” while Anbumani insists he holds an elected position as party president.
• S. Ramadoss expressed concerns that unilateral actions by Anbumani could lead to confusion among cadres, resulting in clashes and potential law-and-order issues.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The prohibition of the padayatra highlights internal leadership tensions within PMK, with potential repercussions for both organizational unity and public safety in Tamil Nadu. Disputes between family members-particularly high-profile figures-can detract from political focus and cause confusion among followers, risking polarization within party ranks. For state authorities, prioritizing preventive measures against possible unrest appears justified but underscores how internal conflicts can inadvertently spill into broader governance challenges.

This situation also exemplifies how intra-party struggles can undermine efforts to connect with grassroots supporters through initiatives such as padayatras intended to rally public support. If unresolved, these disputes may weaken the PMK’s overall ability to mount effective campaigns in an already competitive regional political landscape.

For more information: Read More