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Vijayakanth: The Man Who Had The Guts To Take On The Giants In Tamil Nadu Politics

December 29, 2023
Hydra

Vijayakanth, a prominent icon in Tamil cinema, seamlessly transitioned from raising his voice against corruption on the silver screen to a successful stint in politics. His swift rise in the political arena fuelled aspirations among his followers, who envisioned him as the potential Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately, his political journey was cut short by deteriorating health following back-to-back political setback orchestrated by both the big Dravidian parties.

The influential Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), founded by Vijayakanth in 2005 in Madurai, was seen as a formidable force by political parties such as DMK, AIADMK and BJP. So much so that, Narendra Modi himself who had acknowledged his influence brought him under the National Democratic Alliance in 2014.

However, over time, the party faced challenges in maintaining its regional influence due to Vijayakanth’s ailing health. Despite this, DMDK continued to put up a valiant fight to sustain its presence in the political landscape. Vijayakanth’s recent passing has left his supporters and admirers in mourning, marking the end of an era characterized by his bold stance against corruption and significant political impact.

But if there is one thing that Vijayakanth would be remembered for, it is this – Vijayakanth unlike the other ‘kanths’ was the lone warrior who had the audacity to confront both AIADMK and DMK at their peaks emerging as a true underdog in the political arena.

The Only Force To Challenge Both DMK & ADMK 

In his political avatar, Vijayakanth shook the AIADMK and DMK out of their slumber when his party, the DMDK, secured 8.38% votes contesting on its strength in 2006, and 10.3% in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in 2009. While his party secured just one seat in 2006 and none in 2009, he was still regarded as a significant political force and a formidable contender for the leadership position.

He openly slammed the DMK patriarch Karunanidhi for wanting to become CM at 92 years of age. In a scathing critique of DMK president M. Karunanidhi, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) chief Vijayakanth delivered a forceful address, mocking the veteran leader’s sixth bid for the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s position. Speaking in Kulithalai, where Karunanidhi was first elected in 1957, Vijayakanth acknowledged the historical significance of the region but questioned the aspirations of the 92-year-old DMK leader. Ridiculing Karunanidhi’s relentless pursuit of power, Vijayakanth remarked, “See, he wants to be Chief Minister for the sixth time even at this age (92)… see his desire.”

The DMDK leader went on to highlight the prevalence of illegal sand mining in the area, insinuating the involvement of an opposition party leader. 

He was probably the only one to speak against Karunanidhi. In what seems to be a TV interview, he said, “Ah Kalaignar has done this, Kalaignar has done that. What Kalaignar? What did he do? I am giving him respect and calling him Kalaignar. What did he do? He pawned the state of Tamil Nadu. Even now, he keeps saying race, race. They have killed the same race in Ceylon and he is talking about race? A regime where nothing was done, what a shameful regime. People must teach a lesson to these two parties, the DMK and the Congress, this is my wish. I already said he is the pinnacle of lies. If I listen, I get angry. He lies through his teeth. The example of what a big traitor he is is that he gave you free television but he took all the connection charges. This is the truth. Who has the connections (cable TV)? Tell me. Is it with the common man? It is all there with his party people, with him, with his grandchildren, and his son. This is the truth.”

In another interview Vijayakanth says “Nobody (media) is working independently here. Everybody is just passing their time biting their teeth due to pressure. Don’t think that good politics is happening here. The press should point out mistakes of the government. Do it boldly. He (Karunanidhi) used to say that he is writing from 1954 in Murasoli and that he used to write them with his own hands. He is the man who abused Kamarajar like anything. He is the same man who asked whether only the Nehru-Gandhi family should rule, and today he is bringing his offspring into politics. And they’re doing it in alliance with the Nehru family.”

He was also the only one who could challenge J Jayalalithaa too. One memorable instance etched in memory is the stern warning Vijayakanth delivered to ADMK MLAs during a session at the state assembly, directly in the presence of the formidable former CM J Jayalalithaa.

When he was the LOP, during an assembly session, Jayalalithaa accused him of having accepted defeat even before the election dates were announced. To this, Vijayakanth replied to the Speaker saying, “I have not accepted defeat. I have just replied to what was asked. Then answer me why you lost in Sankarankoil and Pennagaram. You only accepted that you cast votes thievingly.”

How He Quelled Rebellion Within The Party 

Vijayakanth faced internal upheaval as 10 senior functionaries, including three MLAs and the propaganda secretary, openly challenged his decision to align with the PWF (People’s Welfare Front). Expressing dissent, they advocated joining forces with the DMK led by M. Karunanidhi to “oust Jayalalithaa from power.” In response, Vijayakanth swiftly expelled the dissenting members, citing a violation of party discipline and damage to its reputation. Addressing the issue of party loyalty, he stated, “For me, cadres are important, and they are my strength. They and I will forgive enemies, but not betrayers.” This remark was ostensibly directed at rebel DMDK leaders who had aligned with the DMK after being expelled from the party.

He made it a point to maintain his party’s distance from the DMK till the very end.

The Friendship With Modi

During an election rally in 2009, he heaped praises on Narendra Modi who was back then the Gujarat Chief Minister, saying if people look up to Gujarat, it was because Modi doesn’t indulge in corruption. “The same can be emulated in other states as well”, he said.

In 2014, he campaigned extensively for the BJP-led front, endorsing Modi as the force capable of eradicating corruption. Here are a few videos of the equation shared by Vijayakanth and PM Modi.

Despite not winning any of the 14 seats they contested, the DMDK was the only party in the seven-party alliance to campaign in all 39 constituencies in Tamil Nadu. Premalatha was instrumental in the party’s decision to align with the BJP-led NDA, a move that contributed to the BJP’s victory in Kanyakumari. PM Modi’s praise for Premalatha and his rapport with Vijayakant at the NDA rallies are testimony to the friendly relations they shared.

Prime Minister Modi also shared a condolence note on his X handle describing the friendship the two shared.

Captain Vijayakanth, once a subject of social media trolls, garnered widespread praise for paying his last respects to former President APJ Abdul Kalam in Rameswaram. Photos of him shedding tears went viral, earning admiration from many youngsters. As the then Opposition Leader of Tamil Nadu, Vijayakanth sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the celebration of Dr. Kalam’s birthday as National Students Day. It is now a special day celebrated every year and that Vijayakanth actually had a role to play in it went unnoticed. 

A man who managed to capture the hearts of the people be it as an actor or as a politician, Vijayakanth will be remembered for all the good values and principles he stood for, and more importantly, as the only person who could take on both the giants of Tamil Nadu politics in their prime. Fare thee well, Captain!

Hydra is a freelance writer and columnist.

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