CHENNAI: Chief Minister M K Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay, besides several senior political leaders, members of the film fraternity and thousands of cadres on Sunday paid rich tributes to late Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder-president ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth on his second death anniversary at the party headquarters in Koyambedu.
In a social media post, the Chief Minister shared a photograph with Vijayakanth and remembered him as a leader who earned the immense love of the Tamil people through his deep concern for the poor and his unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Stalin said Vijayakanth would be remembered for his large-heartedness and his tireless service to the underprivileged.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with Ministers E V Velu and Ma Subramanian, visited the DMDK headquarters and paid floral tributes at the memorial.
AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, who participated in the second annual ‘Guru Pooja’ at the ‘Captain Alayam’ memorial along with DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth, recalled Vijayakanth as a leader who lived by the principle of extending help to the needy and left a lasting impact in both public life and the film industry.
TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai described Vijayakanth as a man of integrity whose dedication to public welfare would remain etched in the hearts of the people. Recalling his personal association with Vijayakanth during his tenure as an MLA, Selvaperunthagai said Tamil Nadu had lost a great leader and extended wishes to Premalatha Vijayakanth for continuing the party’s work for the people. Responding to a query on alliance overtures, he said the DMDK leadership should take a decision in keeping with the ideals of Vijayakanth, asserting that the late leader never aligned himself with divisive politics.
Actor and TVK president Vijay paid homage, stating that Vijayakanth had secured an indelible place in the hearts of the people and hailed him as a revolutionary artiste and leader.
Dravida Vetri Kazhagam leader Mallai Sathya said Vijayakanth was a humane leader who could have achieved more politically, alleging that the 2016 Makkal Nala Koottani had derailed his political journey.
New Justice Party leader A C Shanmugam and several other leaders also paid tributes, while thousands of DMDK cadres and sympathisers thronged the headquarters.
Earlier in the day, DMDK workers led by Premalatha Vijayakanth took out a march from the State Election Commission office to the party headquarters as a mark of tribute to their late leader.