Chennai: Desiya Murpoku Dravidar Kazhagam (DMDK) founder and actor Vijayakant celebrated his 68th birthday with his family in Chennai on Tuesday, evoking speculation over the future course of action that he might take in politics, particularly since Tamil Nadu is due for Assembly elections in another eight months.
While birthday wishes poured in through social media and otherwise from his fans, well-wishers and others, politicians started greeting him from Monday evening itself. Chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and deputy chief minister O Pannerselvam were among the first to greet the DMDK leader.
Among the others who greeted him on Tuesday were DMK president M K Stalin, who described Vijayakant as one whom M Karunanidhi loved. BJP state president L Murugan greeted him and the founder of Makkal Needhi Maiyam Kamal Haasan said Tamil Nadu politics was waiting to see him in full action in the arena.
Viajayakant, who was not active during the campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections due to health issues, is reportedly back after treatment and ready for action in the 2021 Assembly elections.
His wife and DMDK treasurer Premalatha Vijaykant told newsmen that he regained his usual vigour and the party was prepared to even fight the elections alone. Followers and fans of Vijayakanth wanted to see him as the king, she said.
Yet, the party would like to continue in the alliance with the AIADMK as of now and take a decision on facing the Assembly polls by December-January.
When asked about her statement, fisheries minister D Jayakumar said the AIADMK was confident that none of the partners would leave the alliance. The DMDK being ready to contest the elections alone could be Premalatha’s view, Jayakumar said.
Meanwhile, it is rumoured that some family members of Stalin had called on Vijayakant a fortnight ago to enquire about the actor’s health and had even asked them to join the DMK-led alliance for the Assembly elections.
