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PoliticsPMK President Ramadoss Challenges Rahul Gandhi to Publicly Defend Tamil Nadu's Cauvery Water Rights
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PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, newly elected at the party's General Council meeting in Mamallapuram, criticized both the Congress and BJP for allegedly conspiring against Tamil Nadu over the Mekedatu dam project on the Cauvery river. He challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu on August 1, to publicly commit to protecting the state's water rights. Ramadoss also reiterated PMK's opposition to NEET, announced a two-year campaign for total prohibition starting October 2, and criticized the Tamil Nadu government's recent notification on privatizing liquor shops. He urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to convene an all-party meeting and take the issue to the Prime Minister, while ruling out any alliance with the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
Source report
Published: July 30, 2026 12:15 am IST – Chennai By: The Hindu Bureau
Anbumani Ramadoss Elected PMK President Unanimously
Days after PMK founder S. Ramadoss announced his retirement from active politics, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss was unanimously elected as the party's president at the General Council meeting held in Mamallapuram, near Chennai, on Wednesday.
In the same meeting:
- S. Vadivel Ravanan was unanimously elected as General Secretary
- M. Thilagabama was unanimously elected as Treasurer
Anbumani Slams Congress and BJP Over Mekedatu Dam
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Anbumani again criticised the Congress and the BJP for "conspiring" against Tamil Nadu regarding the proposed dam at Mekedatu across the Cauvery river.
"Congress and BJP are conspiring together against Tamil Nadu. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is coming to Tamil Nadu on August 1. Let him say that Tamil Nadu's rights on Cauvery river will be protected. Will he say that? There are many agreements and court orders."
He added: "He spoke against the Great Nicobar project. I understand his opposition against destroying forests. Rahul Gandhi should oppose Mekedatu dam which would destroy 12,500 acres of forest land."
PMK Reaffirms Stance on NEET and Prohibition
Dr. Anbumani reiterated the party's commitment to ensuring a ban on NEET, while criticising the UPA II government led by the Congress — of which the DMK was a part — in 2010.
He also announced a new campaign:
"The PMK will start a campaign calling for a total prohibition in the State, which will be led by Pasumai Thayagam president and PMK floor leader, Sowmiya Anbumani. The campaign will run for 2 years starting on October 2."
On liquor policy, he said:
- "The Tamil Nadu government has recently notified privatisation of liquor shops. We congratulated you when you shut down liquor shops in the Assembly. Now, this."
- "In the villages in Krishnagiri district, I was told that Tasmac liquor is being sold illegally in certain homes."
- "If you eliminate corruption in public sector units and do reforms, you can earn ₹30,000 crore a year. You have started well, now continue with reforms. Don't talk about allowing resto-bars. Shut it down."
Call for All-Party Meeting and Alliance Ruled Out
Dr. Anbumani urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to convene an all-party meeting in Tamil Nadu.
"Take us to New Delhi and let's meet the Prime Minister," he said.
He also ruled out any alliance with the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
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Anbumani Ramadoss Challenges Rahul Gandhi to Defend Tamil Nadu's Cauvery Rights