Politically MDMK chief Vaiko may be known for his unpredictable decisions. But his personal and selfless service to the people, which keeps him apart from other politicians, has earned him loyal and die-hard cadre like P Dhanapalan.
But, what made Dhanapalan so indebted to the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader? Dhanapalan himself reveals the emotional connect.
“My son Jeyaprashanth was shot at the back in the Paramakudi firing incident. He suffered injuries in four places on his body besides a hole on one of his hands. Though he was admitted in Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH), doctors did not attend to him for a long time and he was profusely bleeding. This turned his condition critical.”
“Vaiko, who reached the GRH soon after the incident, was moved by his condition,” he recalls.
Wasting no time, the MDMK leader arranged for Jeyaprashanth’s treatment at the Apollo Hospital and he bore all the expenses, thus saving my son’s life,” recalls Dhanapalan, his voice choking with emotion.
Carried away completely by the humane gesture of Vaiko, the die-hard supporter says, “For my family Vaiko is like a God. Every one in our family are now toiling hard for Vaiko. Jeyaprashanth, an active functionary of the party, went all the way to Madhya Pradesh and participated in the black flag protest against Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa when he visited that State last year,” he says. This has really reaped rich rewards, because impressed by his commitment, Vaiko appointed him as his personal assistant.
Another interesting dimension of Dhanapalan’s gratitude is the motorcycle on which he goes to all the meetings and rallies of Vaiko.
The vehicle carries the words, “Uyir Kaatha Thalaivan” (leader who saved life). Further it reads, Vaiko is ‘the future Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.’
“I go to all his meetings on this bike and will continue to do so. I want to see Vaiko as the Chief Minister as he is committed to the service of people,” was the parting shot of Dhanapalan, who also wears his Vaiko T-shirt to all campaign trails and party meetings.