Special Articles Tamil Nadu

How Vadivelu Backed By DMK Abused Vijayakanth & The Dravdianist Media’s Role In Reducing Him To A Meme Material

December 28, 2023
Vallavaraayan

Taking the plunge in 2005, Vijayakanth established the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK). The party initially posed a significant challenge to the AIADMK and Jayalalithaa’s leadership. Strategically positioning itself as an alternative to the big two Dravidian parties, the DMDK gained prominence, securing around 10% of the vote in its initial run. However, Jayalalithaa’s course correction, distancing from the BJP, and focus on welfare policies led to the decline of DMDK’s influence. Vijayakanth’s health issues, coupled with intense caricaturing by trolls and the media, contributed to a loss of political credibility, marking the party’s descent in Tamil Nadu politics.

Remarkably, until the very end, Vijayakanth refrained from forging any alliance with the DMK. Despite speculations that he might align with the DMK in 2016, he adhered to his principles, distinguishing himself from political parties known for engaging in vote bank politics. His steadfastness and unexpected anti-DMK stance surprised many.

How The DMK Troubled Him

The year was 2006 and TR Baalu, the current DMK MP from Sriperumbudur, was back then the Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping in the Congress-led UPA government. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) department which functions under him was used to demolish the Andal Azhagar Kalyana Mandapam, a wedding hall owned by Vijayakanth’s wife which also served as his party office.

The auditorium, located on Jawaharlal Nehru Road in Chennai, falls in the path of a flyover construction project aimed at easing congestion at the Jawaharlal Nehru Road-Bangalore Highway junction.

He alleged that the DMK government was too quick to demolish the marriage hall because they couldn’t tolerate his party’s progress. He labeled it a deliberate political plot and clarified that he didn’t oppose the government’s decision to demolish the structure.

He had been willing to surrender the building for road expansion and had only requested an extension until August 31 to honor the marriage bookings.

Despite meeting with DMK president M Karunanidhi and proposing an alternative plan, the DMK government led by Karunanaidhi in the state went ahead with demolishing after sitting on the alternative plans submitted by Vijayakanth for months. This is how ruthless Karunanidhi was.

Vijayakanth, a bitter critic of Karunanidhi since then, escalated attacks following his victory in the Vridhachalam constituency in the 2006 Assembly elections. 

In the above video 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.”

And today the DMK is shedding tears for Vijayakanth claiming that he and Karunanidhi shared a great deal of affection. No Tamil worth his salt would buy the claims of Karunanidhi’s family and the DMK.

Vadivelu Vs Vijayakanth – Fuelled By DMK

In a protracted feud between Tamil film actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth and renowned comedian Vadivelu, tensions escalated frequently between the two. Vijayakanth accused Chief Minister M Karunanidhi of orchestrating cases against him through Vadivelu and asserted that Vadivelu was acting as a tool for the ruling DMK, which sought to counter the rise of DMDK. Both Vijayakanth and Vadivelu, hailing from Madurai and sharing a history of acting together in films, found themselves entangled in political animosity. 

Vadivelu went overboard with his criticisms to insult Vijayakanth several times, which was supported and cheered by the DMK. Here are some videos where he talks derogatorily about the politician he went to the extent of accusing him of being a drunkard. 

During the run-up to the 2011 elections, sharing the stage with DK leader Veeramani, DMK leader Karunanidhi, VCK’s Thirumavalavan, Vadivelu is seen saying, “They have given him a name, I shouldn’t say it. Captain, it seems. Why Captain? Do we call someone who is always drunk, a Captain? We call the person who drives the ship that floats on water as Captain. One who is always (stresses the word) in water (here water-thanni refers to alcohol) is not called Captain. They came to my house and asked me one day, brother, call him (Vijayakanth) the Chief Minister), I replied saying I cannot say all that.”

At what seems to be the same programme, Vadivelu goes on another rant. He says, “When there are Chief Ministers like this, someone who started a party yesterday/day before yesterday, wants to become the Chief Minister tomorrow. The thing is, 2 pillars were protruding in his wedding hall. He started a party for that and goes around saying he is the next Chief Minister, in a perpetually drunken state. Moodevi, I am asking, is the Chief Minister’s chair a game of musical chairs for you? Is that an ordinary seat? It is the fruit of 70 years of toil (looking at Karunanidhi).”

And the DMK patriarch rejoices at the acerbic attacks on Vijayakanth made by Vadivelu.

In the backdrop of the 2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, despite all the venom spewed by Vadivelu at the behest of the DMK, Vijayakanth emerged victorious with a phenomenal vote and seat share.

Vijayakanth registred a voteshare of 53.19% at Rishivandiyam.

Even though Vadivelu had made diatribes against Vijayakanth mindlessly, Vijayakanth never did revenge politics. He in fact was really upset that Vadivelu was not acting as he went on a lull after Jayalalithaa consolidated her power in 2011.

In an interview, Premalatha Vijayakanth notes how her husband was upset about Vadivelu not acting in any films. “He is a born artist. He should keep acting.“, Vijayakanth had apparently said.

Reduced To A Troll/Meme Material By Media Amply Supported By DMK

After the zenith of the 2011 elections, Vijayakanth experienced a sharp decline in popularity exacerbated by health issues. The rise of online campaigning, marked by fake news, trolling, and dirty tricks, played a pivotal role nationally. Vijayakanth faced a relentless onslaught, transforming him from a serious contender for the CM position to a caricatured figure through memes and online mockery.

Trolls particularly targeted his bombastic style and malapropisms, contributing to his diminished image. The internet, known for cutting down public figures, amplified his perceived weaknesses. WhatsApp videos showcasing his unsteady behavior and slurred speech due to illness went viral, suggesting drunkenness. As credibility waned, his attempt to establish an alternative through the Third Front faltered amid suspicions of backroom deals with rival Kazhagams.

Despite being reduced to meme material, battling ill health for several years (and finally succumbing to it), Vijayakanth, the Karuppu MGR, the Puratchi Kalaignar, the Captain will always be remembered by the public of Tamil Nadu for the man he was. He was remembered for his kindness, large-heartedness, and innocence, leaving a lasting impact on the people. In his acting career, he was known for helping numerous technicians and small-time actors in need. The moniker he earned, “Karuppu MGR” was not just about his complexion, but for his generosity.

Today, on the day of his passing, crowds swell at the same wedding hall, that was once the reason the DMDK crossed swords with the DMK, for the people – his party workers, fans, and rivals, trickle in to have one last glimpse of the man who could have been a great political leader for Tamil Nadu. 

Vallavaraayan is a political writer.

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