How a Tamil film star founded a political party that shook Indian state elections
In short: Founded by a veteran actor, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam once became the primary opposition in Tamil Nadu. From its 2005 origins to its current leadership under Premalatha Vijayakanth, the party has navigated complex alliances and shifting electoral fortunes, reflecting the volatile and coalition-driven nature of regional Indian politics.
The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, or National Progressive Dravidian Federation, was established on 14 September 2005 by Vijayakant, a prominent Tamil film star. Based in Chennai, the party aimed to challenge the established political order in Tamil Nadu. Its early years were marked by a solitary electoral success in 2006, when its founder won a seat in the legislative assembly while the party contested all 234 constituencies independently.
The party reached its peak in the 2011 assembly elections. Capitalizing on public discontent regarding corruption and infrastructure issues under the incumbent government, the DMDK formed a strategic alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. This coalition swept the polls, allowing the DMDK to secure 29 seats and attain the status of the official opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. During this period, the Election Commission of India granted the party a permanent election symbol: the Nagara.
Following the 2011 success, the party faced significant challenges. Performance declined in subsequent general and assembly elections, characterized by failed alliances and a loss of electoral momentum. After Vijayakant’s death in December 2023, his wife, Premalatha Vijayakanth, assumed leadership as general secretary. The party continues to adapt, recently aligning with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, a move Premalatha described as honoring her late husband's wishes.
The trajectory of the DMDK highlights the influence of celebrity-led politics in India and the necessity of coalition building. While the party has struggled to maintain its 2011 heights, its history remains a case study in how regional entities navigate the complex, often unpredictable landscape of state-level governance and national parliamentary contests.
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