Vijayakant’s funeral updates | Vijayakant laid to rest with state honours

Vijayakant was laid to rest with full state honours after tens of thousands of people paid their last respects.

After Vijayakant’s family members performed the last rites, the coffin, made of sandalwood was buried in the designated space amid chants of ‘captain’ and ‘veera vanakkam’ (valourous salute).

The words ‘Puratchi Kalaignar (revolutionary artist) Captain Vijayakant’ was embossed on the coffin.

While only a limited number of people were allowed inside the space earmarked for burial, countless men who gathered outside shone torches on their mobile phones as a mark of respect.

The Who’s Who of Tamil Nadu, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin paid their last respects. Vijayakant’s funeral was done with state honours.

Vijayakant’s wife Premalatha, his sons Vijaya Prabhakaran and Shanmuga Pandian were consoled by the leaders.

Stalin removed his shoes before entering the space earmarked for state honours and conduct of last rites, and laid a wreath accompanied by senior DMK leaders like T R Baalu and Ministers including K N Nehru, Ma Subramanian and Udhayanidhi Stalin.

In a mark of respect to the departed leader, the Chief Minister touched twice the wreath he placed in front of the coffin.

“Friend, you will live in our hearts forever,” Mr. Stalin said.

Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi arrived at Island Grounds and paid his respects to DMDK founder Vijayakant.

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Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman paid his last respects to DMDK founder Vijayakant. He said, the fact that thousands have people have come to get a final glimpse of him shows the how much of affection he has earned

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, everyone remembers how much Vijayakant worked for the people and his cadres. He ensured that no one who comes to visit his residence leaves hungry.

Former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, Tamil Maanila Congress president G.K. Vasan, Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi president T. Velmurugan, Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi general secretary E.R. Eswaran, National Commission for Women Member Khushbu Sundar, film director and actor K. Bhagyaraj were among the famous personalities who paid their last respects to actor and DMDK founder Vijayakant at Island Grounds on Friday morning.

Owing to the large traffic at actor-turned-politician Vijayakant’s funeral, police on Friday issued an advisory to control traffic. 

Actor Rajinikanth rushed to Chennai from Kanniyakumari district to pay his last respects, laid a garland on the decorated casket. He recounted two incidents that showed Vijayakant’s values and the importance he attached to friendship and supporting colleagues.

Rajinikanth said only a few like Vijayakant live forever in the hearts of people.

He said though Vijayakant used to get angry, but selfishness had never been the reason behind it. “The monicker ‘Captain’ is very appropriate for Vijayakant,” he told reporters.

Vehicular movement has been stopped at the Pallavan Salai junction. To prevent overcrowding, police are allowing people in batches.