Chennai, Jan 17 (AHN) The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S. Ramadoss finds himself in a political predicament ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, as shifting factional alignments within the party have narrowed his strategic options.

The immediate trigger for the uncertainty is the decision of the faction led by his son, Anbumani Ramadoss, to join the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

With one wing of the party firmly aligned with the Opposition bloc, pressure is mounting on S. Ramadoss from the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) to bring his faction into its own alliance fold.

According to sources, the DMK has initiated alliance-level discussions with the faction led by S. Ramadoss and is reportedly insisting that its candidates contest the upcoming state elections under the DMK's "rising sun" symbol.

Such a move, however, is seen as a difficult political call for the PMK founder, given the party's long-standing insistence on retaining its independent identity and party symbol.

Speculation over the political future of the Ramadoss-led faction intensified after the veteran leader, during a recent event at his residence in Thailapuram, openly praised the performance of the DMK government.

The event, which involved the distribution of application forms to aspirants seeking PMK tickets for the upcoming Assembly polls, drew attention for Ramadoss's unusually conciliatory tone towards the ruling DMK.

Fuel was added to the speculation when PMK founder Ramadoss was asked about the possibility of aligning with the DMK-led front, which also includes Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol Thirumavalavan.

Responding cautiously, PMK founder Ramadoss remarked that "anything can happen in elections", a statement widely interpreted as keeping the door open for negotiations.

Subsequently, reports emerged suggesting that formal alliance talks between the DMK and the Ramadoss faction are underway.

Sources indicate that the DMK is considering offering around five Assembly seats to the PMK faction, should an understanding be reached.

Among the potential candidates being discussed are senior PMK leader G.K. Mani, party functionary Arul, and Ramadoss's daughter Srikanthi.

While neither the DMK nor the S. Ramadoss-led PMK faction has officially confirmed these discussions, the evolving situation is expected to significantly influence alliance arithmetic and political equations in Tamil Nadu as the upcoming state elections approach.