Anbumani's persuasion ensures PMK in BJP alliance

The deft handling of the PMK-BJP alliance crisis by Anbumani Ramadoss who persuaded his father S Ramadoss to join NDA today brought to the fore how the young leader would be playing a major role hereafter in the PMK affairs.
PMK founder S Ramadoss was all set to walk out of the NDA alliance apparently sulking over the denial of the wishful seats his party had demanded, but Anbumani succeeded in convincing his father of the need to save the poll pact with the saffron party, sources in the PMK said.
However, the sources insisted that today's development should not be construed as rift between the father and son as the party would certainly be led by the Vanniyar strongman, the senior Ramadoss.

"A lion will not bargain with foxes," Ramadoss had remarked in Dharmapuri after introducing his son Anbumani Ramadoss as the candidate for the constituency on March 16 indicating serious friction in the NDA on seat-sharing.
Going a step ahead, the PMK chief also unilaterally introduced candidates for Kallakurichi, Salem and Tiruvannamalai, seats that were allocated for the DMDK.
Ramadoss had rejected in clear terms the BJP's offer of Tiruvannamalai seat in lieu of Salem and Kallakurichi.

PMK wanted to field A Arul, a close associate of Ramadoss from Salem and the former had hit campaign trail several months ago.
Anbumani, eventually stepped in and convinced his father to give up claim for Salem and Kallakurichi for the larger good of the party.

"He insisted that it is crucial to align with the BJP to bolster the party's prospects especially against the background of bitter events following Marakanam violence and AIADMK regime's animoisty towards our party," a senior leader requesting anonymity said.
Right from the beginning of alliance talks with the BJP, facilitated by Tamilaruvi Manian, the senior Ramadoss had shown reluctance to join hands with the NDA for several reasons.
Ramadoss opposed joining NDA which has the presence of his political bete noire DMDK-led by Vijayakanth.