Chennai, 28 Dec

Leaders cutting across party lines in Tamil Nadu on Sunday paid floral tributes at the memorial of DMDK founder Vijayakanth, fondly known as ‘Captain’, on his second death anniversary, underscoring his wide appeal that transcended political affiliations.

Chief Minister M K Stalin, in his tribute, recalled Vijayakanth’s welfare-oriented work and described him as large-hearted and a good friend. In a message, the Chief Minister said, “The late leader earned people's boundless love for being compassionate towards the poor and for helping all the people.”

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami were among those who visited Vijayakanth’s samadhi located on the premises of the DMDK headquarters at Koyambedu here.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief K Selvaperunthagai, BJP leaders Nainar Nagenthran, Pon Radhakrishnan and Tamilisai Soundararajan, Naam Tamilar Katchi chief coordinator Seeman, and Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi founder T Velmurugan were also among the leaders who paid floral tributes at the mausoleum.

In a social media post, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay said, “I pay myrespects to Captain Vijayakanth on his second death anniversary; he holds an indelible place in the hearts of the people.”

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss said that though years may pass, Vijayakanth would continue to be remembered by the people for his humanity and concern for the common man.

The anniversary witnessed an outpouring of emotion from admirers, many of whom placed newborn children on the samadhi and offered prayers for their wellbeing. Emulating rituals seen during the Sabarimala pilgrimage, several men dressed in traditional black attire carried ‘Irumudi’ and offered prayers, while some tonsured their heads as a mark of respect and affection.

From early morning, long queues formed outside the DMDK state headquarters as people waited to pay homage at the samadhi, which was decorated with flowers and garlands.

Led by Vijayakanth’s wife and DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth, party cadres and fans took out a peace march to mark the day, which the party observes as ‘Guru Pooja’. Premalatha, along with her sons Vijaya Prabhakaran and Shanmuga Pandian and her brother L K Sudhish, received mourners at the memorial.

Vijayakanth (1952–2023), a popular film star from the 1980s, founded the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam in 2005 and went on to become Leader of the Opposition in 2011 after a strong electoral showing in alliance with the AIADMK. He continues to be fondly called ‘Captain’, a title drawn from the success of his landmark 100th film Captain Prabhakaran.