VILLUPURAM: PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss on Sunday appointed student wing secretary Murali Shankar as the new general secretary of the party, a post previously held by S Vadivel Ravanan. The decision was taken during a meeting that Ramadoss held at Thailapuram on the same day the party president Anbumani, held the Tiruvallur district general council meeting.
He handed over an appointment letter to Murali which stated, “From today onwards, Murali Shankar will function as the general secretary of the party. All party functionaries are requested to cooperate with him.” A copy of the letter was also sent to Anbumani Ramadoss, honorary president G K Mani and treasurer S Saeed Mansoor Usain, who was recently appointed by Ramadoss.
In the second week of April, Ramadoss removed Anbumani from the party president post and publicly criticised him, stating that he lacked leadership qualities and failed in making alliance decisions. Ramadoss also proceeded to remove several functionaries seen as Anbumani loyalists and appointed new office-bearers.
He held a meeting on Sunday at his residence in Thailapuram with the newly-appointed north zone district presidents and secretaries. Party sources at the meeting said that discussions centred on conducting the executive council meeting and the party’s development works.
Speaking to reporters before the meeting, G K Mani said, “A week ago, Ramadoss came to Chennai. At his younger daughter Kavitha’s house, he and I had a discussion. We told him that a smooth resolution must be reached without delay.
He agreed and said that a peaceful solution will come soon. However, the ongoings within the PMK over the past week have been deeply troubling and painful. We had hoped for a good resolution, but time is passing.”
He added, “Both sides must sit together and talk openly. That alone can bring about a peaceful solution. Elections are approaching. We must act in unity, move swiftly and strengthen ourselves further to lay the foundation for electoral success.”
MLA Arul Ramadas, who had announced his resignation from the party which he later withdrew, participated in the Thailapuram meeting. Speaking to reporters, he said, “We are here because we were invited by the district secretaries. Whatever Ayya (Ramadoss) says, we will follow. Ramadoss is the founder and leader of the PMK. The meeting led by him is the one that matters.”
P T Arulmozhi, president of Vanniyar Sangam, also attended the meeting. He said, “If Anbumani speaks to his father in person and apologises, as Ramadoss suggested, everything will be resolved. It is appropriate that he has extended an apology.” He also stated that the newly-appointed office-bearers will continue in their roles.
As the rift widened, the then general secretary Vadivel Ravanan was conspicuously absent from the meetings convened by Ramadoss which culminated in the latter recently remarking, “I will give `100 to anyone who can find PMK general secretary Vadivel Ravanan. He is nowhere to be found,” and added, “After joining Anbumani, he may be enjoying the luxury of star hotels.” On Saturday and Sunday, Ravanan attended the consultation meeting of party functionaries at Anbumani’s office.