CHENNAI: Chief Minister and AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa on Saturday led the State in paying homage to the party founder and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M G Ramachandran on his 24th death anniversary. On the occasion, the cadre, functionaries and ministers swore by the leadership of Jayalalithaa.
Jayalalithaa, her Cabinet colleagues, leaders of various wings of the party and cadre paid homage to the late leader at around 11 a.m, and observed silence for a couple of minutes as a mark of respect to the leader.
Later, Finance Minister O Panneerselvam read out 18 pledges hailing the welfare measures of Jayalalithaa government and the cadre repeated the same. In one of the pledges, the gathering in front of the MGR Samadhi, vowed to be loyal to the party leadership. After taking the pledges, Jayalalithaa waved hands at the cadre.
Former Assembly Speaker PH Pandian, who is chairman of All World MGR Mandram, said that when it comes to humanitarianism and courage, Jayalalithaa exhibits the traits of MGR fully in both party and governance. Party cadre feel MGR’s presence in Jayalalithaa who led the party to the power thrice so far.
MGR portraits decorated with flowers and garlands were seen in around the city. The death anniversary of MGR was observed across the State and in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Puducherry and Maharashtra where the units of AIADMK are functioning. Songs from MGR films continued to rent the air at his memorial.