Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK)
பாட்டாளி மக்கள் கட்சி
Founded by Dr. S. Ramadoss, the PMK has strong support in northern Tamil Nadu and campaigns on social justice and prohibition.
About
The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) was founded on 16 July 1989 by Dr. S. Ramadoss. It grew out of the Vanniyar Sangam, which campaigned for reservation for the Vanniyar community in the 1980s.
The PMK has its strongest base in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu. Over the years it has allied with both the DMK and the AIADMK, as well as the NDA at the national level.
Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, a former Union Health Minister, became party president in 2022. The PMK is known for its campaigns on total prohibition, caste census, and environmental and farmers' issues.
Key Milestones
- 1980
Vanniyar Sangam formed
- 1989
PMK founded by Dr. S. Ramadoss
- 2004
Anbumani Ramadoss becomes Union Health Minister
- 2022
Anbumani Ramadoss becomes party president
- 2026
Joins the AIADMK-led alliance (January)
- 2026
Wins 4 of 18 seats contested (2.17% votes)
TVK
DMK
AIADMK
VCK
BJP
INC
CPI(M)
NTK
MDMK