DMDK seeks Bharat Ratna for Vijayakanth; reaffirms ties with DMK alliance

CHENNAI: DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth on Monday reiterated her party's demand to confer Bharat Ratna on its founder-leader Vijayakanth and announced a series of welfare drives across Tamil Nadu to mark his 74th birth anniversary, observed as "Poverty Eradication Day".

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, Premalatha said the DMDK has already submitted a formal representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the Union government to bestow the country's highest civilian honour on the late leader.

Reaffirming the party's political alignment, Premalatha asserted that the DMDK firmly remains in the DMK-led alliance for upcoming local body and bye-elections.

Premalatha represents Virudhachalam seat in Tamil Nadu Assembly.

"As far as the DMDK is concerned, once a decision is taken and we win with the support of an alliance, we will never alter our stance. Whether a sofa set comes, a bureau comes, or even a large Godrej bureau comes, there will never be any change in our position," she added.

She also criticised transient political switchovers.

"Tamil Nadu has already seen the history of those who keep shifting from one party to another. Those who switch sides have neither history nor identity... If you keep jumping parties, that history lasts only for a minute -- it is a one-day scene," she added.

Detailing the welfare initiatives planned across the state, she said the party will launch the "Captain Free Computer Centre" and free tailoring training centres for women in the Virudhachalam constituency, resuming programmes first rolled out in 2006.

Free eye-care and medical camps, in tie-up with Vasan Eye Care, will be conducted in Chennai and Virudhachalam to benefit around 4,000 people, alongside the distribution of RO water units, iron boxes, sewing machines, and educational and medical assistance.

The party also handed over a Rs 1 lakh cheque from the Vallal Vijayakanth Trust to DMDK senior leader L K Sudhish to present to the Delhi Tamil Sangam, in addition to contributing Rs 50,000 and meals to the MGR School. A commemorative souvenir titled 'Captain Murasu' was also released on the occasion.

Premalatha noted that the party continues to pursue state interests with Union ministers, seeking exemption from NEET for Tamil Nadu, the release of Cauvery river water, and the sanctioning of railway and infrastructure projects.

She also opposed the distribution of free luxury vehicles to legislators, pointing out that over 90 per cent of MLAs already own multiple vehicles. Given the state's existing Rs 10 lakh crore debt burden, she urged the government to prioritise farmer loan waivers, milk procurement price hikes, and public healthcare over such perks.