As MDMK turns 25, Vaiko vows to oust BJP

Celebrating the party’s foundation day, Vaiko hoisted party flag at the headquarters in Chennai and distributed sweets to supporters and public. After the function, Vaiko said, “The corrupt government in Tamil Nadu led by Palaniswami and the fascist government led by Modi at the Centre which is against the diversity and democracy of the country will be uprooted.”

Vaiko, who was elected thrice as MP to Rajya Sabha from the DMK, broke away from the parent party in 1993 after former DMK supremo M Karunanidhi charged LTTE of trying to murder him for Vaiko’s rise in the party.

Vaiko quit the party immediately and formed the MDMK, on May 6, 1994, at a meeting held at the office of South Indian Artists Association in T Nagar.

At the time of the MDMK formation, nine district secretaries and more than 400 general body members from the DMK went with Vaiko. The formation of MDMK was a major blow to DMK as the party was reeling under a major defeat at the hands of AIADMK in 1991 state Assembly elections. In the past 25 years, MDMK has allied with almost all the parties in the state and was responsible for formation of governments in the past. Now, the MDMK is part of DMK alliance which contested in the elections against AIADMK- BJP alliance.

While addressing cadre Vaiko recalled various protests that MDMK conducted so far and appreciated the cadre and supporters for making the journey a success. “MDMK had fought successfully for 23 years against Sterlite Copper and had carried out several successful protests in the past against liquor shops,” said Vaiko.