In a move that has stunned many of her late husband’s supporters, Premalatha Vijayakanth has chosen to align the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam — a party that Vijayakanth consistently opposed throughout his political life. For years, Vijayakanth positioned himself as a fierce critic of the DMK’s leadership, dynastic politics, and governance record. Today, that legacy stands in sharp contrast to the party’s new political direction.
Vijayakanth had 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.”
His opposition to the DMK hardened after the 2006 demolition of his wife’s Andal Azhagar Kalyana Mandapam — which also functioned as the party office — during a highway expansion project overseen by the UPA government. He alleged political vendetta and thereafter became one of the fiercest critics of M. Karunanidhi, attacking what he saw as dynastic politics, media complicity, and governance failures.
The rivalry extended beyond politics. Actor Vadivelu, widely perceived as aligned with the DMK during election campaigns, publicly mocked Vijayakanth in 2011 rallies. Yet, despite sustained personal attacks and online trolling that reduced him to meme material amid deteriorating health, Vijayakanth avoided vindictive politics.
Though his political trajectory declined, his personal reputation for generosity, simplicity, and large-heartedness endured. To many supporters, he remained “Karuppu MGR” — a leader who challenged entrenched power, refused to bend to it, and stayed consistent to his anti-DMK stance until the very end.
For years, Vijayakanth built the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam on a clear ideological line — uncompromising opposition to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and its brand of dynastic politics.
Today, with Premalatha Vijayakanth steering the party into the very camp he fought against, supporters are left asking a difficult question: What remains of that legacy?
The Captain never bent. Whether his atma will forgive those who did — is a question history will answer.
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