Actor-politician and DMDK founder Vijayakanth passed away at a private hospital in Chennai on 28 December. Vijayakanth was admitted to MIOT Hospital in Chennai as his health deteriorated. As per hospital, Vijayakanth was on ventilatory support following his admission for pneumonia.
Earlier in the day, his party said that Vijayakanth had tested positive for COVID and was put on a ventilator due to breathing issues, however, the hospital bulletin said he battled pneumonia. Hospital sources told PTI that the party issued that statement even before the results for the second round of samples were available.
The last rites of late Vijayakanth will be held with full state honours at the party office in Tamil Nadu’s Koyambedu on December 29, the party informed through a statement on Thursday.
According to the statement, the ceremony is scheduled to be held at around 4.45 pm on Friday. Chief Minister MK Stalin earlier announced that the DMDK chief would be laid to rest with state honours.
Since November this year, the actor-turned-politician has been facing health issues. On 15 December, Vijayakanth’s wife, Premalatha Vijayakanth took charge as the general secretary of DMDK.
In her inaugural speech as the General Secretary, Premalatha Vijayakanth expressed her commitment to the party and its members. Speaking in Tamil, she said, “I am now bestowed with the responsibility of the General Secretary post by Vijayakanth. This party was founded for the welfare of the people, and I will be working closely with you all.”