Archive · 24 Aug 2026
DMDK Renews Bharat Ratna Demand and Affirms DMK Alliance
The DMDK party wants the late Vijayakanth to receive the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.
Party leader Premalatha Vijayakanth said the request was sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
She also said the DMDK will stay with the DMK-led alliance in upcoming elections.
The party plans welfare programmes across Tamil Nadu to mark Vijayakanth’s 74th birthday.
These programmes include computer classes, tailoring training and medical camps.
About 4,000 people are expected to benefit from the eye-care and medical camps.
The party will also distribute items such as sewing machines, water units and educational aid.
Premalatha said the government should focus on public needs instead of giving free luxury vehicles to legislators.
DMDK renewed its request for Bharat Ratna recognition for founder Vijayakanth.
Premalatha Vijayakanth said the party remains in the DMK-led alliance for upcoming elections.
Tamil Nadu welfare programmes will include computer, tailoring, medical and eye-care initiatives.
The party distributed donations and aid through the Vallal Vijayakanth Trust and other programmes.
Premalatha urged the government to prioritize debt relief, farmers, milk producers and healthcare over free vehicles for legislators.
- Who
- The DMDK, its general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth, and founder-leader Vijayakanth.
- What
- The party renewed its Bharat Ratna demand, reaffirmed its DMK alliance, and announced welfare programmes.
- When
- The announcement was made on Monday, during events marking Vijayakanth’s 74th birth anniversary.
- Where
- At the DMDK headquarters in Chennai, with welfare activities planned across Tamil Nadu, including Virudhachalam.
- Why
- To honour Vijayakanth, continue the party’s alliance position, and provide community assistance through welfare initiatives.
- Bharat Ratna request
- The DMDK has submitted a formal representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the honour for Vijayakanth.
- Political alliance
- The party said it remains in the DMK-led alliance for upcoming local body and bye-elections.
- Medical assistance
- Eye-care and medical camps in Chennai and Virudhachalam are expected to benefit around 4,000 people.
- Training programmes
- The DMDK plans to launch the Captain Free Computer Centre and free tailoring training centres for women in Virudhachalam.
- Charitable donations
- The Vallal Vijayakanth Trust provided a Rs 1 lakh cheque to the Delhi Tamil Sangam, while the party contributed Rs 50,000 and meals to the MGR School.
- State issues raised
- The party continues to seek NEET exemption for Tamil Nadu, Cauvery water release, and railway and infrastructure projects.
- Government spending criticism
- Premalatha opposed free luxury vehicles for legislators and cited Tamil Nadu’s Rs 10 lakh crore debt burden.