No. 1 Actor, politician and founder of DMDK Vijayakanth passes away in Chennai; he will be buried with state honours

On December 28, actor-politician and founder of DMDK Vijayakanth passed away at a private hospital in Chennai. As Vijayakanth’s condition worsened, he was brought to MIOT Hospital in Chennai. According to the hospital, Vijayakanth was admitted with pneumonia and was on ventilator support.

Vijayakanth’s party had earlier in the day claimed that he had tested positive for COVID and was placed on a ventilator because of respiratory problems; however, the hospital bulletin stated that he was fighting pneumonia. The party released that statement even before the results of the second batch of tests were known, hospital sources told PTI.

According to the most recent information, the actor and head of DMDK will be buried with state honours. The CM of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, stated.

The actor-turned-politician has been dealing with health problems since November of this year. Premalatha, Vijayakanth’s spouse, assumed leadership as DMDK’s general secretary on December 15.
Premalatha pledged her loyalty to the party and its members in her first speech as general secretary. She remarked, “I have been entrusted by Vijayakanth with the role of General Secretary,” in Tamil. The people’s welfare was the party’s founding principle, and I shall be collaborating closely with each of you.”

The political career

Vijayakanth’s on-screen portrayal of military positions earned him the nickname “Captain.” Regarding his political career, the actor created his own party, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), after entering politics in 2005. In the 2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, the party made its electoral debut and received 10% of the total vote. When the Jayalalithaa-led group won the 2011 Assembly elections, Vijayakanth sided with the AIADMK, and the founder of the DMDK went on to become the Leader of the Opposition.After his heated debate with Jayalalithaa in the Assembly, he seemed ready to challenge the establishment and end the Dravidian parties’ dominance in Tamil Nadu politics, which has lasted for more than 50 years.

From 2011 to 2016, Vijayakanth led the opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Later, the party severed its links with the AIADMK due to differences of viewpoint, which led to the resignation of a large number of DMDK MLAs. Twice, he represented the constituencies of Virudhachalam and Rishivandiyam as a member of the Legislative Assembly.

There are several tributes to Vijayakanth.

After learning of his passing, supporters, politicians, and performers from the business sent their sincere condolences.

Expressing his condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “Very saddened by Thiru Vijayakanth Ji’s passing.” His captivating performances won millions of hearts, making him a legendary figure in the Tamil film industry. He made a significant contribution to public service as a political leader and changed Tamil Nadu’s political climate in the process. It will be difficult to fill the emptiness left by his demise. I have happy memories of my contacts with him over the years; he was a close friend. My sympathies are with his family, admirers, and many followers during this difficult time. Om Shanti.

Supporters of DMDK lament the passing of actor and leader of DMDK Captain Vijayakanth.