Chennai, February 19 Late actor Vijayakanth founded DMDK on Thursday, and joined the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, effectively ending weeks of political speculation.
The agreement was finalized at the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in the presence of Chief Minister and party president M K Stalin.
DMDK General Secretary Premathala Vijayakanth, accompanied by senior party officials, including treasurer L K Sudheesh, met with Stalin to formalize the partnership.
In a social media post, Stalin said, "It brings me immense joy that the DMDK, founded by Captain Vijaykanth and a man who had unwavering love for Kalaignar (DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi), has joined the secular progressive alliance." Captain Vijayakanth is fondly referred to as "Captain."
"I warmly welcome sister Premalatha Vijayakanth, who is now skillfully leading the party founded by Captain, along with their party supporters. Let this bond of goodwill continue to contribute to the progress and prosperity of Tamil Nadu," he said, sharing images of the DMDK leaders joining the DMK-led alliance.
He emphasized the objective of ensuring the continuation of the "Dravidian model" of governance.
Later, addressing reporters at the DMDK party office, Premalatha said, "With the blessings of both the Captain (Vijayakanth) and Kalaignar, we have forged an alliance with the DMK."
"A seat-sharing committee will be formed soon," she added.
In the 2021 assembly polls, DMDK partnered with the TTV Dhinakaran's Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam and in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the party was part of the AIADMK-led alliance.