Overview
- Anbumani Ramadoss’s camp displayed a September 9 ECI communication that they say recognises him as PMK president and extends key office-bearers’ terms until August 1, 2026.
- The letter, cited by spokesperson K. Balu, was signed by Under Secretary Love Kush Yadav and, according to the camp, reaffirms the mango symbol, recognises the Tilak Street office, and authorises Anbumani to sign Forms A and B.
- Supporters of founder S. Ramadoss dispute the interpretation, claiming the ECI did not name Anbumani as president, alleging an unauthorised address change, and calling the August 9 council meeting invalid.
- Leaders backing S. Ramadoss say they will seek a formal ECI hearing and legal recourse to establish which faction controls the party under its by-laws.
- A former senior ECI official cautioned that such communications are not conclusive unless rival groups formally bring the dispute to the Commission, underscoring unresolved control over the party name and symbol ahead of the 2026 polls.