Vijayakanth, DMDK Chief and Former Tamil Nadu Opposition Leader, Passes Away
Veteran Tamil actor and politician Vijayakanth, who founded and led the DMDK party in Tamil Nadu, died on Thursday at age 71 after being hospitalized for pneumonia and testing positive for Covid-19. He was on ventilator support at a Chennai hospital before passing away in the morning.
The hospital stated that despite the best efforts of the medical team, Vijayakanth succumbed after being admitted for pneumonia treatment while on ventilatory support. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the former opposition leader will receive a state funeral with full honors.
Rise to Stardom and Entry into Politics
Born as Vijayaraj Alagarswami in 1952 in Madurai, Vijayakanth initially made his mark as a hugely popular film actor known for performing his own stunts. He acted in over 150 films, adopting the stage name “Captain” after the 1991 film Captain Prabhakaran, in which he played a forest officer.
Entry into Politics
In 2005, Vijayakanth founded the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) party, entering the Tamil Nadu political arena long dominated by the DMK and AIADMK. Despite winning only his own seat in his first election in 2006, the DMDK shook up state politics. The 2011 polls proved the high watermark for Vijayakanth and the DMDK, as they won 29 of 41 seats contested in alliance with the AIADMK, more than the DMK’s tally. Vijayakanth assumed the Leader of the Opposition post, which he held until 2016.
Electoral Decline and Recent Years
However, the DMDK and its leader suffered a reversal in the 2016 polls, with Vijayakanth losing his own seat along with the entire party. The downward spiral continued in 2019’s Lok Sabha elections even as part of the BJP-AIADMK alliance. In recent years, Vijayakanth grappled with declining health that saw his public appearances dwindle while his wife Premalatha took over the DMDK’s operations.
Reactions to Vijayakanth’s Death
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the “close friend’s” passing, stating Vijayakanth leaves a void that is difficult to fill. Modi fondly recalled interacting with the former film star and opposition leader over the years. Tamil Nadu Health Minister M. Subramaniam visited the Chennai home of the deceased leader, where DMDK supporters had gathered to grieve.
Vijayakanth donned many caps during his long career in the public eye – hugely popular film hero, surprising political star that humbled major parties, college founder and educationist, television channel owner aiming to shape discourse. While his health struggles mounted in recent times and forced his withdrawal from active politics, Vijayakanth’s legacy as both cinema legend and political force will long remain in Tamil Nadu.
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