Amidst a period of relative political dormancy, actor-politician Vijayakanth’s Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) made a significant decision, officially appointing his wife, Premalatha, as the party’s general secretary. This move formalizes her leadership role, which she had been steering in recent years, primarily due to Vijayakanth’s declining health.
The 71-year-old Vijayakanth, who notably led the opposition in Tamil Nadu back in 2011, has experienced a decline in his party’s prominence in subsequent years. Recent health setbacks have rendered him less active in political affairs. Following a month-long hospital stay, he emerged for his first public appearance at the party’s general council meeting, held on the outskirts of Chennai.
Premalatha, previously serving as the party’s treasurer, has been actively involved in campaign activities and negotiations regarding seat sharing during elections. Her elevation to the top post within DMDK is viewed as the party’s strategic move in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Addressing the meeting, Premalatha acknowledged the collective efforts of party workers in strengthening DMDK and expressed her determination to replicate the successes of 2011 during her tenure as general secretary.
The DMDK disassociated itself from the AIADMK-led NDA alliance ahead of the 2021 assembly elections due to dissatisfaction over seat allocation. Subsequently, the AIADMK severed ties with the BJP in September. However, DMDK is yet to make a definitive decision regarding their future alliance.
Vijayakanth initiated the DMDK in 2005, positioning it as an alternative to the dominant DMK and AIADMK parties. Although he collaborated with J Jayalalithaa for the 2011 elections, securing 29 out of 41 contested seats, the subsequent electoral journey has been challenging. The party’s endeavors in subsequent polls, including the 2016 assembly elections and the 2019 Lok Sabha polls within the National Democratic Alliance, did not yield significant gains.
This recent change in leadership, with Premalatha assuming the mantle, marks a potential pivot for the DMDK as it navigates political landscapes ahead of future electoral contests, aiming to reclaim its once-prominent position in Tamil Nadu politics.
Sources By Agencies
