Salem: PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss, who was engaged in election campaigning in Salem, collapsed on the stage due to fluctuations in his blood sugar levels and blood pressure. The 86-year-old leader is now being transported via ambulance to Apollo Hospital in Chennai for advanced medical care.
Ramadoss had participated in an event held in Pallapatti to campaign and seek votes in support of Arul, the PMK candidate for the Salem West constituency. As he was leaving after concluding the meeting, he suddenly lost his balance. Bystanders immediately rushed to support him and transported him to a nearby hospital.
Ramadoss treatment and transfer
Ramadoss was first admitted to Sri Gokulam Specialty Hospital, located near the Five Roads junction in Salem, where he received initial treatment. Approximately an hour later, he was transferred to Dharan Hospital—located near Seelanaickenpatti—for advanced medical attention. Medical sources indicate that Ramadoss lost his balance primarily due to advanced age, physical exertion under the hot sun, and fluctuations in his blood sugar and blood pressure levels. While his condition is reported to be stable, he is now being transported from Salem to Apollo Hospital in Chennai for further specialized treatment and additional diagnostic tests.
Anbumani Ramadoss reaction
News of Ramadoss’s collapse and updates on his health condition have caused shock and distress among PMK cadres. Anbumani Ramadoss, who was engaged in election campaigning in Virudhachalam, was immediately informed of the incident. Speaking in a tone tinged with both concern and anger, Anbumani declared, “If anything happens to Ayya, I will not let these people get away with it.”
PMK conflict background
Due to a rift with his son Anbumani over authority within the party and alliance decisions, Ramadoss has fielded independent candidates in several constituencies. Since the majority of party functionaries support Anbumani, both the PMK party and its ‘Mango’ symbol currently remain under his control. Consequently, the PMK is fielding its supporters as independent candidates—using independent symbols—in constituencies with a high concentration of Vanniyar voters.