She has always been considered the force behind the party. On Tuesday, the DMDK founder Vijayakant’s wife, Premalatha, perhaps came to the national limelight for the first time.
Despite the DMDK failing to win a single seat in the Lok Sabha elections, the work of Ms. Premalatha was recognised by Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi at the NDA meeting in the Parliament’s Central Hall in New Delhi.
During his speech, thanking leaders of BJP’s allies, Mr. Modi made a special mention of Ms. Premalatha. “My God what work she did,” he exclaimed pointing to the beaming DMDK leader who sat next to her brother L.K. Sudeesh in the audience.
Known for her organising skills, DMDK sources said she was the brain behind the alliance with the BJP. “A section of the party felt going with the DMK might be more beneficial as elections in Tamil Nadu have always been about arithmetic. But she was very sure about going with BJP,” said a leader, on condition of anonymity.
Mr. Vijayakant always consults his wife while making important decisions relating to the party. She also provides inputs for his speeches, said a DMDK MLA.
Mr. Modi also hugged Mr. Vijayakant and thanked him for his cooperation, to the delight of partymen here.
