Chennai, Feb. 20 -- The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), founded by late actor Vijayakanth, on Thursday joined the ruling DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections, ending weeks of speculation. The party led by Vijayakanth's wife Premalatha had joined hands with the AIADMK for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. People familiar with the matter said that DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth had held talks with both main alliances before taking a call on joining the ruling coalition. The BJP, a key ally of the AIADMK, slammed DMDK, saying it has boarded a "sinking ship". This is the first time since the party was formed in 2005 that the DMDK has aligned with the DMK. Premalatha met chief minister and DMK president MK Stalin at Anna Arivalayam, the ruling party's headquarters in Chennai, on Thursday morning, ending weeks of speculation. "It brings me immense joy that the DMDK, founded by 'Captain' Vijaykanth, who had unwavering love for Kalaignar (late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi) and was my dear friend, has joined the Secular Progressive Alliance," Stalin said in a X post. Premlatha said: "This alliance should have been formed in 2016. But, after a delay of 10 years we have joined the DMK alliance." The BJP slammed the DMDK for what it described as a "betrayal" of Vijayakanth's legacy....