DMDK Demands Bharat Ratna for Vijayakanth, Reaffirms DMK Alliance

DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth on Monday reiterated her party's demand to confer the Bharat Ratna on its founder-leader, the late Vijayakanth, while addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Chennai. The announcement came alongside the unveiling of a series of welfare drives across Tamil Nadu to commemorate Vijayakanth's 74th birth anniversary, observed by the party as "Poverty Eradication Day".

Premalatha stated that the DMDK has already submitted a formal representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the Union government to bestow the country's highest civilian honour on the late leader.

Addressing the party's political stance, Premalatha asserted that the DMDK firmly remains in the DMK-led alliance for upcoming local body and bye-elections. Criticising frequent political switchovers, she stated that the party will not alter its position once an alliance commitment is finalised, noting that those who switch parties lack long-term history and identity.

Marking the birth anniversary, the party detailed welfare programmes across the state. These include the launch of the "Captain Free Computer Centre" and free tailoring training centres for women in the Virudhachalam constituency, resuming programmes originally initiated in 2006.

Additionally, the party will conduct free eye-care and medical camps in Chennai and Virudhachalam in collaboration with Vasan Eye Care to benefit around 4,000 people. The welfare drives also encompass the distribution of RO water units, iron boxes, sewing machines, and financial aid for education and healthcare.

During the event, a Rs 1 lakh cheque from the Vallal Vijayakanth Trust was handed to DMDK senior leader L K Sudhish for presentation to the Delhi Tamil Sangam. The trust also provided Rs 50,000 and meals to the MGR School, and released a commemorative souvenir titled 'Captain Murasu'.

Premalatha noted that the party continues to pursue state interests with Union ministers, including seeking NEET exemption for Tamil Nadu, the release of Cauvery river water, and approvals for railway and infrastructure projects. She also voiced opposition to distributing free luxury vehicles to legislators, urging the state to direct resources toward farmer loan waivers, milk procurement prices, and healthcare.