Title: Vaiko Addresses Madurai MDMK Conference: Highlights Sacrifices and Achievements
Subtitle: Former Chief Minister Anna’s birthday conference witnesses Vaiko’s powerful speech on welfare and protests
Madurai, (Date) – At the Madurai MDMK conference, party general secretary Vaiko delivered a passionate speech highlighting his son’s absence in the party hierarchy, while shedding light on his own sacrifices and achievements.
Addressing the attendees, Vaiko stated, “My son Durai Vaiko is not in the party for office. He had informed me about this decision before I revealed it.” This proclamation clarified any speculations about Durai Vaiko’s role in the party.
The conference, organized in honor of former Chief Minister Anna’s birthday, served as a platform for Vaiko to reiterate his contributions to Madurai and Tamil Nadu as a whole. He recalled how Kamaraj, impressed with his eloquence, had sent a messenger inviting him to join the Congress party. However, Vaiko refused, stating the impossibility. He emphasized his commitment to the welfare of Tamil Nadu, exemplified by his efforts to protect crucial resources like the Mullai Periyar dam. Vaiko proudly declared, “If the people of Madurai are drinking water today, the main reason is Vaiko.”
Vaiko also shared his satisfaction in successfully organizing protests against various projects that threatened public interest. He highlighted his role in blocking the contentious neutrino project, as well as leading protests against the Sterlite project. Vaiko’s determination was evident when he recounted refusing to engage with the Sterlite CEO and his subsequent encounter with the Attorney General of India, whom he promptly dismissed.
The veteran politician recalled his fervent opposition to the Meketadu dam project, which saw him embark on a tour of various towns to raise awareness about its potential impacts. Vaiko ensured that he conducted this protest without the display of any party flag, which garnered some success.
Vaiko addressed the polarizing issue of his support for the LTTE, acknowledging the love he received from Prabhakaran and sharing intimate details of their encounter. He reminisced about his time spent with Prabhakaran and their conversations during a visit to Sri Lanka. He stressed that his decision to leave was influenced by Prabhakaran himself, who saw better prospects in Vaiko returning to Tamil Nadu to advocate for their cause.
The sacrifices made by Vaiko’s family for the betterment of Tamil Nadu were also brought to the fore during his speech. He recounted the sacrifice of his cousin Saravana Suresh, who set himself on fire in protest against Sterlite and the spread of false news about Vaiko. He also mentioned the critical role his mother played in fasting and mourning the death of Prabhakaran’s son, Balachandra.
Vaiko, who praised Madurai M.Bhoominathan MLA for his efforts in building and protecting the southern region, shifted the focus to his son, Durai Vaiko. Durai Vaiko expressed his reluctance to contest in future elections, stating his willingness to give the opportunity to a dedicated MDMK volunteer.
The Madurai MDMK conference concluded with the passing of 14 resolutions, addressing vital issues like the ‘one country, one election’ plan and the UN’s call for a Tamil Eelam referendum in Sri Lanka. The resolutions emphasized the importance of conducting such processes through the Assembly, thus ensuring the voice of the Tamil people is properly heard.
As Vaiko concluded his speech, he reflected on his confinement due to the pandemic and applauded Durai Vaiko’s commitment to upholding the party’s values and participating in house events during his absence.
The conference served as a remarkable platform to showcase Vaiko’s lifelong dedication to public welfare and his continued efforts to protect the rights of the people of Tamil Nadu.