Actor-turned-politician and founder of Desiya Murpoku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), Vijayakanth, fondly called as ‘Captain’ passed away on 28 December 2023 after suffering from prolonged illness.
In November, Vijayakanth’s health deteriorated, leading to his admission to MIOT Hospital in Chennai. He was hospitalized for 14 days under medical observation due to cough and throat pain. He passed away just days after handing over the DMDK’s torch to his wife Premalatha Vijayakanth.
Tributes from cross the political spectrum have been pouring in for the late politician who changed Tamil Nadu’s political landscape forever.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too sent an emotional condolence message calling Vijayakanth a close friend.
“Extremely saddened by the passing away of Thiru Vijayakanth Ji. A legend of the Tamil film world, his charismatic performances captured the hearts of millions. As a political leader, he was deeply committed to public service, leaving a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. His passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill.” PM Modi said in an X post.
He further added “He was a close friend and I fondly recall my interactions with him over the years. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, fans and numerous followers. Om Shanti.”
Extremely saddened by the passing away of Thiru Vijayakanth Ji. A legend of the Tamil film world, his charismatic performances captured the hearts of millions. As a political leader, he was deeply committed to public service, leaving a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s political… pic.twitter.com/di0ZUfUVWo
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 28, 2023
In 2005, Vijayakanth established the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) party.
During the 2006 elections, DMDK contested all assembly seats but managed to secure only a modest 10 percent of the total vote share. However, besides the party’s founder-leader, none of its candidates emerged victorious.
In 2011, DMDK formed an alliance with the AIADMK and contested 41 constituencies, securing victory in 26 of them. This remarkable achievement made the Captain’s party a historic success, surpassing the DMK in seat wins and establishing itself as the principal opposition party for that year.
Vijayakanth served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly from 2011 to 2016.
Subsequently, due to differences in opinion, the DMDK severed ties with the AIADMK, resulting in the mass resignation of DMDK MLAs. Consequently, the party lost its status as the primary opposition party.
Vijayakanth served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly twice, representing the Virudhachalam and Rishivandiyam constituencies.
In the 2014 parliamentary elections, the DMDK joined forces with the NDA but experienced a significant defeat, with a notable decline in its vote percentage.
In the 2016, 2019, and 2021 elections, the DMDK’s performance suffered as Vijayakanth battled health complications.
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