In a tragic turn of events, actor-politician and founder of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), Vijayakanth, passed away today at a private hospital in Chennai. The 69-year-old leader was admitted to MIOT Hospital as his health deteriorated, where he was on ventilatory support battling pneumonia.
Earlier in the day, confusion arose as his party announced that Vijayakanth had tested positive for COVID-19 and was put on a ventilator due to breathing issues. However, the hospital later clarified that he was suffering from pneumonia, and the party had issued the statement prematurely.
The last rites of the late leader will be conducted with full state honors at the DMDK party office in Tamil Nadu’s Koyambedu on December 29, according to a statement released by the party. The ceremony is scheduled to take place around 4.45 pm on Friday, with Chief Minister MK Stalin confirming that Vijayakanth will be laid to rest with state honors.
Vijayakanth, fondly known as “Captain” for his portrayal of military roles on screen, entered politics in 2005 and founded the DMDK. The party gained prominence in the 2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, securing 10 percent of the total vote share. In 2011, Vijayakanth allied with the AIADMK and became the Leader of the Opposition after the Jayalalithaa-led bloc won the polls.
His verbal duels with Jayalalithaa in the Assembly captured the public’s attention, marking a significant chapter in Tamil Nadu’s political history. Vijayakanth served as the leader of the Opposition from 2011 to 2016 and represented the Virudhachalam and Rishivandiyam constituencies as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.
Vijayakanth’s health had been a concern since November, and on December 15, his wife, Premalatha Vijayakanth, took charge as the general secretary of DMDK. In her inaugural speech, she expressed her commitment to the party and its members, vowing to continue the work initiated by her late husband.
Tributes have poured in from supporters, politicians, and actors, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his deep sadness. In a statement, Modi said, “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.” Tamil Nadu now mourns the loss of a charismatic leader and iconic figure in both cinema and politics.
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