PMK Founder Ramadoss Confident of Victory in Vikravandi Bypoll Against DMK
Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder Ramadoss is confident that AIADMK’s traditional votes will help them defeat their ‘common enemy’, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), in the upcoming Vikravandi bypoll, scheduled for July 10. Ramadoss stated that PMK is working on tactics to form their government in the 2026 Assembly election.
As the principal opposition party in the state, AIADMK has boycotted the Vikravandi bypoll, citing ‘ruling government misuse of power’ and ‘irregularities’. This has turned the election into a two-corner fight between DMK and PMK, with Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) also in the race.
PMK, part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is seeking Vanniyar caste votes, which are significant in the region. With AIADMK boycotting the election, both PMK and NTK are eyeing AIADMK’s traditional votes. NTK Chief Senthamizhan Seeman recently supported AIADMK in its hunger strike against the DMK government over the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, seen as an attempt to win over AIADMK votes.
Ramadoss is confident that AIADMK voters will support PMK to defeat DMK. He stated, “It is true that the conduct of the bypoll won’t be in an honest way. But PMK has the strength to oppose the dishonesty that they (DMK) are showing. Similarly, AIADMK’s first enemy is DMK so they are also thinking DMK shouldn’t win. So the PMK win is assured.”
He also addressed ideological differences between BJP and PMK over the NEET issue, saying, “The majority of people won’t be aware of ideology differences and what is NEET and all. People just wanted an exam which is an obstacle for their children to be removed. Only a few people have clarity. That NEET should be removed and this is all expectations.”
Ramadoss emphasized that PMK is working on tactics to form a government in the 2026 Assembly election and that this bypoll will help them gain momentum. He also mentioned that the illicit liquor tragedy in Kallakurichi, which happened near Vikravandi, would impact the election as people in Vikravandi are discussing it.
The Vikravandi bypoll was necessitated due to the demise of former DMK MLA N Pugazhendhi on April 6.
