Nostalgic Stalin calls Vaiko a revolutionary hero

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday said that MDMK general secretary was a “rebel hero” who inspired many through his speeches.

Releasing a documentary titled “Maamanithan Vaiko” (Greatman Vaiko) profiling the 56-year political life of Vaiko, Stalin said, “The event is happening in Satyam theatre. We have seen many heroes perform in this theatre. Today, the real hero is among us. Vaiko is the real hero.”

“Cinema heroes are portrayed so. He (Vaiko) is not a cinema hero or a person portrayed as a hero. He is a principled hero, a hero of ambition and sacrifice. A revolutionary hero. He is not tall in appearance, but tall in ideology and motto.”

Recalling his stint as a party youngster who floated the youth wing many decades ago, Stalin took a trip down the memory lane and said, “I have conducted many meetings with him. Wherever he spoke in and around Chennai, I used to take a cycle or scooter to hear him speak.” Revisiting the past when he was incarcerated during the emergency days, the CM said, “I was in Chennai prison. He (Vaiko) was in Palayamkotai prison. He used to write letters to me and to party members in all prisons.”

A nostalgic Stalin also recalled how his late father M Karunanidhi recognised Vaiko at the very sight of his black shawl at the Gopalapuram house when his memory was not at its best in the final few months of his life.

Other leaders of Secular Progressive Alliance, K Veeramani (Dravidar Kazhagam), R Nallakannu (CPI), K S Alagiri (Congress), Thol Thirumavalavan (VCK), K Balakrishnan (CPM), R Mutharasan (CPI), Velmurugan (TVK), Khadar Mohideen (IUML) and M H Jawahirullah (MMK) also participated in the event.