With the executive and general council of the Desiya Murpokku Dravidar Kazhagam (DMDK) unanimously electing treasurer Premalatha Vijayakanth as its general secretary, the short yet sparkling political career of actor-politician ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth has officially come to an end.
In the long line of actor-politicians who have graced the political landscape of Tamil Nadu, Captain has been the only one potent enough to challenge the mighty DMK and AIADMK during their peak and yet failed to capitalise on his early success.
Aligning with other parties, the DMDK clinched a remarkable 29 seats, ascending to the position of the primary opposition force within the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
Nevertheless, in the vibrant tapestry of Tamil Nadu politics, the DMDK emerged as a chapter defined by his enigmatic presence. The inception of this political entity in the year 2005 marked a significant departure from the established paradigms orchestrated by the formidable persona of a renowned actor stepping onto the stage of governance.
The genesis of the DMDK resonated with the fervor of change, fuelled by Vijayakanth’s vision to recalibrate the societal compass towards equity and progress. Armed with the ardor of social justice, the party pledged to confront the entrenched issues plaguing Tamil Nadu—corruption, unemployment, and societal disparities—in a bid to offer an alternative narrative in the state’s political discourse.
The ascendancy of the DMDK was swift, propelled by the luminary status of Vijayakanth in the realm of Tamil cinema. In the electoral foray of 2006, the nascent party showcased its burgeoning influence, capturing attention with a formidable vote share despite not clinching any seats. However, it was the watershed moment of the 2011 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections that etched the DMDK into the annals of state politics. Aligning with other parties, the DMDK clinched a remarkable 29 seats, ascending to the position of the primary opposition force within the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
Yet, the trajectory of the DMDK’s journey was not without its tribulations. Internal discord, strategic alliances, and the rollercoaster of subsequent electoral outcomes beset the party’s path. Vijayakanth’s charisma, a potent elixir in the political arena, continued to wield influence, but the DMDK encountered challenges in maintaining a steadfast voter base, grappling with fluctuations in its electoral fortunes.
The party, which once graced the Opposition benches, was reduced to an insignificant vote share of just 0.43 per cent in the 2021 assembly elections (1.68 per cent proportional vote share).
The party, ensconced within the intricate mosaic of Tamil Nadu’s political milieu, danced between triumphs and setbacks. Its resonance among sections of the populace persisted, tethered to the enduring appeal of its founder. However, the journey towards establishing an enduring foothold in the state’s political fabric remained an elusive quest for the Desiya Murpoku Dravida Kazhagam.
The party, which once graced the Opposition benches, was reduced to an insignificant vote share of just 0.43 per cent in the 2021 assembly elections (1.68 per cent proportional vote share).
In this backdrop, the new general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth would have to perform a miracle to revive the dwindling fortunes of the DMDK.