Actor-politician Vijayakanth passed away in a Private Hospital in Chennai

Actor-politician Vijayakanth, founder of DMDK, passed away on December 28 at a Chennai hospital where he was receiving treatment for pneumonia. Initially reported as a COVID-positive case, conflicting statements arose regarding his health condition. Despite his party’s early announcement, the hospital revealed pneumonia as the primary ailment. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin confirmed Vijayakanth’s burial with State Honours.

Facing health challenges since November, Vijayakanth’s wife, Premalatha Vijayakanth, assumed the role of DMDK’s General Secretary on December 15. In her inaugural address, she pledged dedication to the party’s welfare objectives.

Known as “Captain” for his on-screen military roles, Vijayakanth entered politics in 2005, establishing DMDK. The party gained prominence in the 2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, securing 10 percent of the total votes. In 2011, Vijayakanth aligned with AIADMK, becoming the Leader of the Opposition. His confrontations with Jayalalithaa marked a significant political shift in the state. Serving as the Opposition leader from 2011 to 2016, Vijayakanth later severed ties with AIADMK, leading to mass resignations of DMDK MLAs. He served two terms as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, representing Virudhachalam and Rishivandiyam constituencies.

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