Chennai, 19 February (H.S.) : In a significant political shift, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), founded by the late actor Vijayakanth, has officially joined the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly polls.
The formalization of this partnership took place at the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, where DMDK General Secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth met with Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin. This marks the first time these two parties have entered into an electoral alliance since the DMDK's inception in 2005.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which termed the alliance a betrayal of Vijayakanth's legacy.
BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan stated that the DMDK has boarded a sinking ship and suggested that the soul of the late founder would not forgive the party for aligning with a force he had historically fought against.
The BJP Tamil Nadu unit further emphasized that the DMK had previously humiliated Vijayakanth, making this partnership a contradiction of his political principles.
Defending the decision, Premalatha Vijayakanth mentioned that the alliance was formed based on the consensus of party supporters and should have ideally happened in 2016.
Chief Minister M K Stalin welcomed the DMDK into the fold, expressing joy that a party founded by a man who respected the late M Karunanidhi has joined the alliance to promote the Dravidian model of governance.
Other alliance partners, including MDMK leader Vaiko and VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan, also hailed the development, claiming it ensures a resounding victory for the front. Details regarding seat-sharing are expected to be finalized by a committee soon.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
