EPS, OPS lead party in paying homage to MGR

Chief Minister and AIADMK joint coordinator Edappadi K Palaniswami, AIADMK coordinator and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam along with state Ministers paid floral tributes at the Anna Square in Marina. AIADMK cadres from different parts of the state thronged in large numbers and paid homage. The MGR memorial was decked up by the Public Works Department and barricades were placed to regulate the visitors visiting the memorial.

Party MPs and MLAs wore black shirts to mark the solemn occasion and took vow to defeat the rival DMK in the upcoming civic polls. The AIADMK leaders took a pledge to strive hard to win the ensuing local body elections on the path shown by Dravidian leaders.

The AIADMK functionaries also offered special meals to the poor and played the popular songs from the MGR movies.

Administering the pledge, Panneerselvam said a movement should have good cadre and the cadre should have good leadership. “AIADMK is the only party that has the good qualities essential for a political party. With united spirit, commitment and unity the party workers should face the local body polls for victory,” he said, while addressing the cadre.

The leaders also observed a two minutes’ silence as a mark of respect and then vowed to dedicate the victory in civic polls to AIADMK leaders MGR and J Jayalalithaa.

“Even after 32 years, our party leader is relevant and it is MGR’s legacy that helps the AIADMK thrive and fight against the DMK,” said Poonganagar Selvam, North Chennai joint secretary of MGR Mandram. MGR songs are like a boost for all the party cadre and it is a day for all the fans to recall the legacy of our Thalaivar, Selvam added.