Introduction:
Vijayakanth, the iconic actor-turned-politician, passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy that has forever changed Tamil Nadu’s political history. As the founder of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) party, Vijayakanth challenged the long-standing dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in the state. Let’s delve into the rise and fall of DMDK, Vijayakanth’s journey from reel to real, and his impact on Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
The Rise and Fall of DMDK:
In 2011, DMDK shocked the nation by displacing the powerful DMK as the main opposition party in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Vijayakanth’s party managed to secure a significant vote share, highlighting the existence of an alternative to the Dravidian politics dominating the state. However, following an alliance with the AIADMK, the party’s vote share declined, leading to internal conflicts and a subsequent decline in popularity.
From Reel to Real: Vijayakanth’s Political Journey:
Vijayakanth’s foray into politics was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. He had expressed his political opinions even before entering the political arena officially. Inspired by leaders like G.K. Moopanar and M. Karunanidhi, Vijayakanth maintained clarity on important issues such as the Cauvery water dispute and the Sri Lankan Tamil problem. His work ethic and willingness to support young actors endeared him to the film industry and helped shape his image as a simple superstar.
Vijayakanth: A Simple Superstar with a Clear Vision:
Unlike the notorious tantrums associated with actors, Vijayakanth was known for his professionalism and work ethics. His patriotic on-screen persona resonated with audiences, and he played a crucial role in launching the careers of talented actors like Surya and Vijay. Vijayakanth’s close rapport with political leaders enabled him to articulate his stance confidently on various issues, making him a respected figure in both the film industry and politics.
Remembering Vijayakanth: Condolences Pour In:
Vijayakanth’s demise has left a void in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, and leaders from across the nation have expressed their condolences. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that Vijayakanth would be laid to rest with State honors, highlighting the impact he had on the state and its people.
FAQs:
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Who was Vijayakanth?
Vijayakanth was a prominent Tamil Nadu politician and former actor known as ‘Captain’ due to his successful film “Captain Prabhakaran.”
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How did Vijayakanth contribute to Tamil Nadu politics?
He founded the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) party and emerged as its sole winning candidate in the 2006 Tamil Nadu legislative assembly election.
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What was the decline faced by the DMDK?
After initial success, the DMDK experienced a decline in popularity starting from the early 2010s.
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What was Vijayakanth’s last public function?
Vijayakanth attended his last public function on December 14, where his wife, Premalatha, was elected as the party’s general secretary.
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How did leaders react to Vijayakanth’s demise?
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences and recognized Vijayakanth’s contributions to Tamil Nadu’s political landscape and the film industry.