TN CM celebrates 83rd birthday delivering poll promises

Chennai, June 3 (UNI) The launch of DMK's popular poll promise ''Rice at Rs two per kg scheme'' and revival of marriage assistance scheme marked the 83rd birthday celebrations of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today.

The Dravidian patriarch, who assumed office as Chief Minister for a record fifth time, celebrated his birthday in a relatively low key manner as he sent out a message that his cabinet colleagues and officials should avoid ostentation in government functions.

A host of national leaders, including President A P J Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and state Governor S S Barnala, besides party colleagues, conveyed their greetings.

While Prime Minister and Ms Gandhi telephoned Mr Karunanidhi and conveyed their greetings, Mr Barnala called on the Chief Minister and wished him by presenting a bouquet at his Gopalapuram Residence.

For the Chief Minister, the day began at 0400 hrs, when he planted a sapling at his CIT colony residence, followed by his routine morning walk at Anna Arivalayam. At his Gopalapuram residence, where he cut a cake, family members sought his blessings.

Besides the Governor, senior DMK leaders, including K Anbazhagan, Arcot N Veerasamy and Duraimurugan were among those who called on Mr Karunanidhi early at his Gopalapuram residence and conveyed their greetings.

At the DMK party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, leader of the alliance parties, including TNCC President M Krishnasamy, PMK founder leader Dr S Ramadoss, Union Miniser Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, CPI(M) leaders N Varadarajan, T K Rangarajan, CPI leaders D Pandian, Magendiran, G Palanisamy greeted the Chief Minister presenting shawls. The octogenarian leader also cut a cakce weighing 83 kg decorated with party flags and the ''rising sun'' symbol.

Mr Karunanidhi then drove down to ''Anna Memorial'' to pay respects to his mentor and DMK patriarch and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C N Annadurai. After offering floral tributes to the Dravidian stalwart, the DMK leader paid his respects to rationalist leader Periyar E V Ramasamy at his memorial at Vepery.

Later, he visited a ration shop to launch the ''Rice at Rs two per kg'' scheme, the popular poll promise, which virtually won the elections for the DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) in the May eight assembly elections.

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