Salem, April 12 (IANS). Amidst the ongoing internal dispute in Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, party founder S. Ramdas suddenly collapsed during an election rally in Salem district on Sunday, following which he was admitted to the hospital. This incident spread concern among supporters and party workers.
At present, there are clearly visible differences in PMK regarding leadership. Party founder S. Ramadoss and his son and party president Anbumani Ramadoss are working in different ways and both are trying to assert their control over the party.
In the current political situation, the Anbumani Ramadoss led faction is at odds with the AIADMK led NDA. Whereas, S. Taking a different path, Ramdas has aligned himself with the faction of AIADMK that supports V.K. Sasikala is associated with former Chief Minister J. Has been a close associate of Jayalalitha.
As part of his separate campaign, Ramdas had also released a separate list of candidates contesting the elections in his name.
On Sunday, he launched the campaign in support of PMK candidate Arul in Pallapatti area of Salem. While addressing the public meeting, he appealed to the people to vote in favor of Arul and gathered support by going among the crowd.
According to eyewitnesses, Ramdas looked completely energetic during the speech. But after finishing the speech and getting down from the stage, when he was leaving for the next event, he suddenly felt uncomfortable. It is being told that he became unconscious for some time, due to which there was chaos on the spot.
Party workers and volunteers immediately took care of him and then he was immediately taken to a nearby hospital in an ambulance.
This incident created a stir at the rally venue for some time and concerns about his health increased among the supporters. His daughter Srikanti, candidate Arul and several senior party leaders accompanied him to the hospital.
According to hospital sources, Ramdas is currently under the observation of doctors and is undergoing treatment. Detailed information regarding his condition is awaited.
–IANS
AMT/ABM