Vijayakanth, the founder-leader of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), passed away on Thursday at the age of 71. The political stalwart had been battling pneumonia and was under ventilator support at Miot Hospital in Chennai.
Vijayakanth Health Struggles
Vijayakanth’s health had been a matter of concern for the past 4-5 years, during which he maintained a low profile. His illness took a more serious turn recently, leading to his admission to Miot Hospital. The hospital confirmed his demise, revealing that he was on ventilatory support for pneumonia.
The party, in a premature statement, had announced that Vijayakanth had tested positive for COVID-19. However, the hospital sources indicated that the statement was made before the results of the second round of samples were available.
Vijayakanth Legacy in Tamil Cinema
Fondly known as “Captain” for his on-screen portrayals of military characters, Vijayakanth was a legendary figure in the Tamil film industry. His charismatic performances in 154 movies won the hearts of millions before he transitioned into the realm of politics.
Political Journey and DMDK’s Impact
In 2005, Vijayakanth founded the DMDK. He founded it with the aim of providing an alternative political platform in Tamil Nadu. By challenging the dominance of established Dravidian parties like the DMK and AIADMK. The party made a significant impact in its electoral debut during the 2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. Which established itself as a force in the state’s political landscape.
The pinnacle of DMDK’s success came in the 2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, where the party surpassed the DMK and emerged as the principal Opposition Party. Vijayakanth served as the leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly from 2011 to 2016.
National Political Endeavors and Internal Challenges
In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the DMDK aligned with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite the collaboration, the party did not achieve significant success. Internal challenges, including defections of key leaders, impacted the DMDK’s electoral performance in subsequent elections.
Condolences Pour In
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over Vijayakanth’s demise, acknowledging the actor-turned-politician’s significant contributions to Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. He remembered Vijayakanth as a close friend and praised his commitment to public service.
As Tamil Nadu mourns the loss of a political luminary, Vijayakanth’s legacy as both a versatile actor and a dedicated political leader will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the state’s history.
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