TN Governor, CM, Jaya extend Pongal greetings

Chennai, Jan 14 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and various political leaders today extended warm greetings to people of the state on the eve of Pongal festival.

Mr Barnala, in his message, said, ''may this festival rekindle the spirit of unity and harmony and usher in peace and prosperity.'' In a message, Mr Karunanidhi recalled that Pongal was a ''thanks-giving'' festival.

He said this year the state had received good rainfall, which made the Mettur dam overflow eight times enabling the farmers to improve their agricultural activities.

Opposition leader and AIADMK Supremo J Jayalalithaa, in her message, said, ''let us welcome this festival to bring bright future to the people.'' ''Pongal is celebrated irrespective of caste, religion and language,'' Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President M Krishnasamy said.

Other policital leaders, including CPI State Secretary G Pandiyan, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko and Tamil Maanila Muslim League President S Sheik Dawood also extended their greeings.

UNI SNR SJ SW KN1537