Anbumani Ramadoss Challenges Rahul Gandhi on Mekedatu Dam and Forest Preservation

PMK Leadership Solidifies as Ramadoss Targets National Parties

Attending the General Council meeting in Mamallapuram near Chennai on Wednesday, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) finalized its leadership transition following the retirement of founder S. Ramadoss. Anbumani Ramadoss secured a unanimous reelection as party president. The council also confirmed S. Vadivel Ravanan as General Secretary and M. Thilagabama as Treasurer. During the proceedings, Anbumani Ramadoss directed sharp criticism toward the Congress and the BJP, accusing both national entities of collaborating against Tamil Nadu's interests regarding the Cauvery river dispute.

Mekedatu Dam and Environmental Accountability

Addressing Rahul Gandhi's scheduled visit to Tamil Nadu on August 1, the PMK president challenged the Congress leader to take a definitive stance on the proposed Mekedatu dam. Ramadoss highlighted a perceived contradiction in Gandhi's advocacy, noting his opposition to the Great Nicobar project on environmental grounds while remaining silent on the Mekedatu initiative. According to Ramadoss, the project would submerge 12,500 acres of forest land, violating existing legal agreements and court mandates. He questioned whether Gandhi would publicly vow to protect the riparian rights of Tamil Nadu during his visit.

State Policy Reforms and Prohibition Campaign

The PMK revealed a strategic shift toward social activism, announcing a comprehensive anti-liquor campaign. Leading the initiative will be Sowmiya Anbumani, president of Pasumai Thayagam and PMK floor leader. The movement is set to launch on October 2 and will sustain operations for two years. Ramadoss criticized the current state administration for its recent moves toward privatizing liquor sales and allowing resto-bars, urging the government to shut down these outlets instead. He suggested that fiscal reforms and the elimination of corruption in public sector units could generate ₹30,000 crore annually, offsetting the revenue lost from liquor sales.

Calls for Collective Action and Political Independence

In a direct appeal to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, Ramadoss requested an all-party meeting to address state grievances. He proposed that a unified delegation travel to New Delhi to present these concerns to the Prime Minister. Furthermore, the PMK president dismissed the possibility of an alliance with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. On educational policy, he reaffirmed the party's demand for a NEET ban, pointing back to the 2010 decisions made under the UPA II administration as a source of the current impasse.

Source: The Hindu — National