Chennai mourns the loss of Vijayakanth, the revered figure in Tamil cinema and politics, who passed away at the age of 71 after battling health complications. The founder of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazgam (DMDK), he transitioned from a prolific career in the Tamil film industry, starring in 154 movies, to a significant role in politics.
Earlier on the day of his passing, the party had shared news of Vijayakanth's hospital admission due to breathing difficulties, leading to ventilator support. He had been battling health issues, with a previous hospitalization in November at MIOT Hospital in Chennai for cough and throat pain, under medical observation for two weeks.
Known affectionately as 'Captain', Vijayakanth's life was characterized by achievements both in cinema and politics. He brought about significant reforms in the South Indian Artistes' Association during his tenure and later founded the DMDK in 2005. Despite a modest 10 percent vote share in the 2006 assembly elections, the party faced setbacks with only Vijayakanth emerging victorious.
However, the political landscape shifted in 2011 when the DMDK joined forces with the AIADMK, contesting 41 constituencies and securing 26 victories. This alliance propelled the party to become the principal Opposition, with Vijayakanth leading as the Opposition leader in the Tamil Nadu Assembly from 2011 to 2016.
Differences led to the dissolution of the AIADMK-DMDK partnership, causing a cascade of resignations from DMDK MLAs and subsequently the loss of its primary Opposition status. Vijayakanth's contributions, however, extended beyond his role in the Assembly; he served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly twice, representing the Virudhachalam and Rishivandiyam constituencies.
Despite successes, the party encountered challenges in subsequent elections, especially in the 2014 parliamentary elections, where their alliance with the NDA faced defeat, marking a decline in their vote share.
Throughout 2016, 2019, and 2021, the DMDK faced setbacks as Vijayakanth grappled with declining health. His demise leaves behind a legacy of remarkable contributions to both the entertainment industry and Tamil Nadu's political landscape. Chennai bids farewell to a stalwart whose influence stretched from the silver screen to the corridors of power.
