CHENNAI: AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam and joint coordinator Edappadi K Palaniswami hosted an Iftar party at the Trade Centre at Nandambakkam on Thursday.
Both leaders hailed the tenets of Quran and teachings of Prophet Mohammed and recalled the welfare measures being implemented for the Muslim community by the State government.
Palaniswami said Tamil Nadu has been a good example for communal harmony. “Religion and spirituality should act as fertilisers for nurturing harmony and only with the help of that fertiliser, all sections of the society can live with peace and prosperity,” he added.
Panneerselvam recalled how the late Chief Minister, J Jayalalithaa, had evolved many welfare schemes for the Muslim community.
“We will continue to follow in the footsteps of Amma, sticking to her advice on communal harmony. The g
overnment led by Palaniswami will continue to be a protective shield of minority communities,” he added.
State ministers, Chief Kazi (Shia), Moulana Ghulam Mohammed Mehdi Khan, Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali Bishop M Prakash, Synod of the Independent Churches of India and Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Minorities Commission, Tamil Magan Hussain, secretary, All World MGR Mandram, Anna Road Dargah trustee, Haji Syed Moinuddin, AIADMK MPs, MLAs, functionaries, Ananayka Manithaneya Makkal Katchi leader Thameemun Ansari and many dignitaries from the Muslim community took part in the Iftar party.
Aim to switch to M-sand: Palaniswami
Chennai: Pointing out that mining of river sand cannot be stopped all of a sudden, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday said the government aimed at making 100 per cent use of Manufactured sand (M-sand) for construction purposes. Making a reference in the Assembly during a debate on the demand for grants for Industries, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, he said steps are being taken to popularise M-sand. “The government would gradually reduce use of river sand and encourage M-sand.
People taking up construction activities cannot immediately switch over to M-sand,” he said. He added, “Now, 40 per cent people are using M-sand. We are taking efforts to make it 100 per cent.” 24 M-sand manufacturing firms have been given approval, he said and added the government is ready to give approval to those interested in the trade.