MGR in Tamil Nadu remembered

A file photo of the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran planting a kiss on Rajkumar.

(December, 24, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) The 20th death anniversary of AIADMK founder and former Tamilnadu Chief Minister M G Ramachandran was observed across the state on Monday.

Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR, became the chief Minister of the state in 1977 and remained in the post till he breathed his last on 24 December, 1987.

The AIADMK men, led by party leader Jayalalithaa, took out a silent rally from Anna Salai to MGR memorial in the city and paid floral tributes to the late leader.

Similar rallies were taken out at different parts of the state and statues of the late leader were garlanded. Mass feeding, distribution of free note books to school children and special poojas in temples were organised at various parts of the state.

In Kancheepuram district, AIADMK party functionaries and cadres garlanded the portrait of MGR and paid homage.Municipal chairman V Rajendran garlanded the MGR's portrait and paid homage.

South District AIADMK secretary and Tiruttani MLA G Hari and former minister Somasundaram, ex-MLA Maithili Thirunavukkarasu, Walajabad Union secretary Ganesan and ex-MP Kanchi Panneerselvam paid floral tributes to MGR's statue.

MGR was a pro-LTTE politican in TamilNadu , he also help to build up the LTTE.

MGR and popular film actor M.G. Ramachandran donated Rs. 110 million to build up the LTTE, Anton Balasingham, LTTE Theoretician and Chief Negotiator, has revealed.

This revelation was made for the first time by Balasingham to a Tiger newspaper published in London. MGR presented an AK47 gun to Prabhakaran. "He also ordered his security guards to load 10 boxes into the van in which I traveled. When I reminded him about police checks, he said"; Don't be afraid; tell them that MGR gave the money, Even after receiving this money Prabhakaran had wanted a further Rs. 50 million and Rajiv Gandhi had become aware of this transaction and protested to MGR, Balasingham has said. Later, MGR gave that amount from his own money, Balasingham has further said.