DMDK founder ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth hands over the party reins to his wife Premalatha Vijayakanth

Premalatha Vijayakanth takes over

Addressing the gathering, Premalatha roused the crowd while speaking about her husband and their leader.

She said, “The decision regarding which party to form a coalition with ahead of the Parliament elections will not be made by me, but only by ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth.”

Making a public appearance, a visibly weak Vijayakanth received roaring applause while he sat on stage, surrounded by party cadres who physically supported him.

Several members of the party were seen shedding tears at the sight of their ailing leader and former Tamil actor. When images of Vijayakanth sitting in a wheelchair at the meeting began to circulate on social media, it did not go well with netizens. Many said that it was “heartbreaking to see him like this”.

Also Read: Setback in Vijayakanth’s health in the last 24 hours, informs hospital

Vijayakanth’s health declines

In November 2023, Vijayakanth was admitted at a private hospital in Chennai, following symptoms of fever, throat pain, and cold.

During the admission, the party statement said that Vijayakanth, fondly called “Captain”, was taken to the hospital for a routine check-up and is likely to return home in a day or two.

However, according to hospital sources, the actor developed a breathing issue during his admission and he was put on ventilator support whenever needed, during the treatment.

Sources previously told South First that the doctors have planned for a tracheostomy surgical procedure, as the actor’s upper airway is blocked and air cannot get into the lungs.

“The patient already has a glottic pathologic condition and due to his age we are unable to provide him a full-time ventilator, his family members have consented to a tracheostomy procedure,” the source had said.

On 29 November, the Managing Director of MIOT International said that Vijayakanth’s health condition was showing great improvement. “However, over the last 24 hours, he showed mild deterioration requiring a small amount of pulmonary support. We continue to be confident that he will make a full recovery. Possible length of stay in hospital is a further 14 days,” read the hospital’s statement.

Vijayakanth was recently discharged from the hospital.