PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss hospitalized in Chennai, TN CM visits leader

Chennai: PMK founder Dr S. Ramadoss has been admitted to a private hospital in Chennai for cardiac evaluation, the party said on Monday. The 86-year-old leader was admitted on October 5 and is currently undergoing thorough medical tests under senior interventional cardiologist Dr G. Sengottuvelu. The hospital bulletin stated that his condition is stable, and he is expected to be discharged in a couple of days following the routine examination.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited Dr Ramadoss at the hospital, reassuring him and inquiring about his health. He was accompanied by Cabinet colleagues K.N. Nehru and E.V. Velu, who also wished the leader a speedy recovery and expressed hope that he would soon resume his regular duties.

Following his admission, Dr Ramadoss was visited by his son and former Union Minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss. This marked the first visit since their relationship became strained last December, which led to Dr S. Ramadoss removing his son from the party president post and retaining the position himself. Despite party members' efforts to reconcile the two, the rift remains, with Anbumani maintaining that he continues to head the party as per a PMK resolution extending his tenure, ratified by the Election Commission of India.

The Pattali Makkal Katchi issued a statement on the night of October 5, urging party cadres not to panic about the founder's health. The situation comes amid ongoing intra-party disputes and political repositioning ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

With inputs from PTI