Floral tributes paid to MGR in TN

Chennai, Dec 24 (UNI) AIADMK Supremo J Jayalalithaa led partymen across Tamil Nadu in paying floral tributes to party founder-leader and former chief minister M G Ramachandran on his 20th death anniversary today.

Ms Jayalalithaa, along with Presidium chairman K Madhusoodanan, Treasurer O Panneerselvam and senior party leaders paid floral tributes to the late leader at MGR samadhi (memorial) on the Marina, by placing a wreath.

Accompanied by scores of partymen, Ms Jayalalithaa, who inherited the legacy of the late leader, led a silent procession from Anna Salai to the memorial.

After paying tributes, partymen took a pledge to follow the ideals of MGR, continue to spread his popularity and work for the creation of a casteless society.

A pledge read out by Mr Panneerselvam also called for strengthening the hands of Ms Jayalalithaa to bring back MGR rule in the next assembly elections in the state.

Mr Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR, died on this day in 1987.

Even 20 years after his death, people continued to shower their affection. They lined up in large numbers to visit his samadhi and pay homage in the city.

Elsewhere in the state, people, mostly AIADMK men and party sympathisers offered floral tributes to the portrait of MGR.

In a number of slum areas, portraits of MGR were decorated with garlands. People virtually offered worship to the late leader.

MGR hits rent the air at many places in the state. Partymen paid homage by extending welfare assistance and distributed free dhoties, sarees and food packets to the poor.

Special poojas were organised in a number of temples in the state. Mass feeding and free notebooks were distributed to school children to mark the occasion.

UNI