DMDK founder-leader and popular Tamil actor Vijayakanth died in Chennai on Thursday (28 December) after an illness. He was 71 years old.
Earlier, the party informed through a post on its official ‘X’ handle that Vijayakanth was admitted to the hospital after complaining of difficulty in breathing and was put on ventilator support.
PM Modi- Rahul Gandhi expressed grief
His body was brought to his residence and will then be taken to the DMDK office.
Many leaders including PM Narendra Modi, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin expressed grief over the death of Vijayakanth.
PM Modi tweeted, “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. 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.”
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the demise of actor and DMDK chief Captain Vijayakanth by tweeting. He wrote on Sympathy.”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reached the residence of DMDK chief Captain Vijayakanth in Chennai and paid tribute to him.
Earlier in November, Vijayakanth was admitted to MIOT Hospital in Chennai after his health deteriorated. Due to cough and throat pain, he remained under the observation of doctors for 14 days.
Vijayakanth, popularly known as ‘Captain’, was a superstar of the Tamil film industry. Before entering politics, he acted in 154 films.
One seat in 2006, DMDK became the main opposition party in 2011
Holding a position in the Nadigar Sangam (officially known as the South Indian Artists Association (SIAA), Vijayakanth revolutionized the South film industry. He founded Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) in 2005.
In 2006, DMDK contested all assembly seats and secured only 10 percent of the total vote share. However, except the founder-leader, no candidate of the party could win.
In 2011, the DMDK contested the elections in alliance with the AIADMK and contested 41 constituencies, winning 26.
The Captain’s party created history in 2011 by winning more seats than DMK and emerged as the main opposition party that year.
Vijayakanth served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly from 2011–2016.
Fought Lok Sabha elections with NDA in 2014
DMDK later broke away from AIADMK due to differences, resulting in the resignation of a large number of DMDK MLAs. Therefore, the party lost the status of being the main opposition party.
He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly twice, representing Virudhachalam and Rishivandiam constituencies.
DMDK had contested the 2014 Parliament elections in alliance with the NDA but faced a massive defeat and saw a huge decline in its vote percentage.
Subsequently, in the elections of 2016, 2019 and 2021, DMDK did not perform well as Vijayakanth remained unwell.
