DMDK Chief ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth Ailing, Rushed To Hospital In Chennai

Ailing Desiya Murpokku Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMDK) chief Vijayakanth, who has been undergoing treatment for various health problems, was again admitted to a private hospital in Chennai Tuesday (18 December) night.

The actor, popularly called as ‘Captain’, is said to have been suffering from health complications since the evening and was rushed to the hospital.

Following the 66 year-old’s hospitalisation, the party has asked its cadre not to fall prey to rumours about his health.

Vijayakanth has been keeping away from active politics lately due to ill health. Party sources say that the actor has been considering the possibility of flying abroad for advanced medical treatment.

In October, a high-level committee of the DMDK elevated the actor’s wife Premlatha Vijayakanth as treasurer of the party. A key backroom operator and unofficial party strategist, Premlatha has never held a party post since the founding of DMDK in 2005.

Premalatha is expected to provide leadership to the party in the absence of Vijaykanth.

The DMDK was part of the third front comprising of VCK, MDMK and Left parties during the 2016 assembly polls. The third front was routed and drew a blank.

In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, however, the DMDK contested as a part of NDA alliance that included BJP, MDMK, PMK and few other smaller parties. Though the DMDK could not win any of the 14 seats it contested, the alliance managed to garner almost 20 per cent vote-share with the BJP and PMK winning a seat each.