CM pays tributes to Marudu Brothers

Madurai, Oct 31 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi tonight unveiled the bronze statues of Marudu Brothers -- Chinna Marudu and Periya Marudu -- who fought the British Rule, at Teppakulam in the city.

Addressing a public meeting later, Mr Karunanidhi paid rich tributes to Marudu Brothers for their sacrifices to the country.

He also paid tributes to Renowned Tamil Scholar Parithimar Kalaignar who made sustained efforts to declare Tamil as a classical language in 1902.

Responding to the demand from various political leaders on the dais that the government merge the Kallar, Agamudaiyar and Maravar Sects of the Thevar Community and call them Mukkulathors, Mr Karunanidhi said he would not hesitate if the three communities were ready to accept it.

He said a section of the people belonging to these communities opposed the move saying it would not give any benefit.

The Chief Minister said it was better to hold discussions before arriving at any decision.

Mr Karunanidhi criticised his arch rival and AIADMK Supremo J Jayalalithaa for her remarks that the DMK Government had put on hold a GO issued during her regime merging the three sects into one.

He said ''Passing a GO is not enough. It should be implemented properly. She has not taken efforts to implement the order.'' Earlier, Mr Karunanidhi opened a memorial where Parithimar Kalaignar lived, at Vilacheri near here.

Later, winding up his two-day visit to the Southern districts of Ramanathapuram and Madurai, the Chief Minister left for Salem by a train.

UNI