Anbumani Ramdas was named chairman of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) – the party founded by his father S Ramadoss – on Saturday, thus becoming the latest heir to a political legacy in Tamil Nadu.
If the PMK’s major strength is its significant vote base among the OBC-Vanniyar community, which has faced several social challenges in northern Tamil Nadu over the past three decades since its formation in 1989, that association also identifies the PMK. Is. With pride of caste and violence, especially against Dalits. The biggest challenge before MBBS graduate Anbumani will be to redesign the party which can capture the youth.
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At the age of 53, he may not be much older, but he is much older than the leaders of other major parties of the state. The window may be compressed though BJPAmbition in Tamil Nadu rides on PMK’s weak ally AIADMK,
In addition to the MBBS degree, Anbumani’s impressive resume includes a short course from the London School of Economics and some ‘international awards’, such as one from the World Health Organization for “Tobacco Control”. Aides say Anbumani is also proud of the fact that he has “no film background”, unlike many other political heirs.
Anbumani is known to have initiated several schemes such as the National Rural Health Mission, under which ASHA workers were appointed as the Union Health Minister under the UPA-I government. In 2016, he was the PMK’s chief ministerial candidate and with that bid, is currently a Rajya Sabha member.
However, as MK StalinAnbumani has served his time for the top post of PMK, working under the shadow of his father Ramdas and leading the party in coalition talks.
A close aide of Anbumani said: “Even though Anbumani may have been active and influential in the party, the final decision used to be of his father. But Ramdas is now 80 years old. This day marks the beginning of a change.” Ramadoss on Saturday embraced Anbumani’s rise in tears in front of party workers.
Supporters hope that this change will also be reflected in a change in the image of the party, which is notorious for violent caste riots by its workers. The 2012 Dharmapuri riots, for example, in which more than 200 Dalit homes were attacked, faced criticism for the role played by father and son Ramdas. in an earlier interview with Indian ExpressAnbumani had said: “Look, we are not a casteist party. PMK is a political party…”
On another issue, prohibition, Anbumani is expected to support his father’s line of banning alcohol, for which he fought several battles, including legal ones. Under his leadership as Union Health Minister, smoking in public was banned throughout the country.
GK Mani, who stepped down as PMK president after 25 years to make way for Anbumani, on Saturday said it is time for the younger generation to take charge and lead “PMK 2.0”.