Alagiri turns 60, DMK workers pray at temples

Madurai, Jan 30 (PTI) Union Chemicals and FertilisersMinister M K Alagiri, son of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi,turned 60 today with party workers celebrating the occasion byoffering prayers in temples here.

DMK workers organised "Annadhanam'' (free feast) to poorpeople in almost all the big temples in this city andperformed religious rituals, including pulling a ''Goldenchariot'' of Lord Muruga at Tiruparankunram.

The celebrations were on a low-key compared to last yearwhen the city wore a festive look and banners and flexboards were put up in almost all parts.

Besides, Alagiri had asked his supporters some days agoto refrain from coming to see him in person on his birthday ashe would not be in the city.

Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin had met his elderbrother here yesterday to greet him on the eve of hisbirthday.

"I came one day in advance... because Annan (brother)said he will not be in the city tomorrow," Stalin had saidseeking to put an end to speculation about a rift with hiselder sibling.

Alagiri, who had reportedly protested inaction by DMKagainst former Telecom Minister A Raja over the 2G spectrumscam, had recently met Karunandhi to sort out the differences.

After the meeting, he denied making any demand for actionagainst Raja.

On Thursday, Alagiri and his wife Gandhi exchangedgarlands in the presence of Karunanidhi and family members tocelebrate his birthday.

As part of the celebrations here today, Alagiri''s wifedonated cows at Kallazhagar temple.

Free feast was also organised at Yoga Narasimhar templeat Yanaimalai where Alagiri began his election campaign whenhe contested from the Madurai Lok Sabha constituency.

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister KRPeriyakaruppan inaugurated the ''Manivizha'' (60th birthdaycelebrations) by cutting a cake.

A variety of gifts, including stainless steel utensils,saris, dhotis and sweets were distributed to poor people. PTISSN BN