CHENNAI: In his first major show of strength after being elected General Secretary, AIADMK top leader K Palaniswami on Sunday launched the party's much anticipated state conference here, with thousands of supporters converging in this temple city for the event.
The much publicised party conference, coinciding with its golden jubilee anniversary, also comes months ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where the AIADMK is seeking to make good electoral inroads against the ruling DMK.
The AIADMK chief was accorded a grand welcome at the conference venue. He hoisted the party flag atop a 51 ft. poll to set off the proceedings.
Flower petals were strewn from a helicopter after Palaniswami, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, hoisted the party flag. He was also handed a sceptre.
Palaniswami is slated to address a massive gathering later in the day.
He was elected the party's general secretary in March this year.
According to reports, around 600 kg of flowers were showered from a helicopter, as EPS hoisted the party flag on a 51-feet tall flagpole.
The meet holds special significance for AIADMK and Palaniswami in particular since it is happening in a district where the party’s estranged Panneerselvam faction was holding ground.
Palaniswami has to show his cadre strength in his attempt to woo Thevar votes, for which there are many emerging claimants. The huge arched-shaped entrance of the meeting venue depicts a fort and has an image of Palaniswami along with AIADMK stalwarts MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa.
Many senior leaders and former ministers of the party claim the much awaited ‘Eluchi Maanaadu’ would be a groundbreaking event and an important moment in State’s political history. The organisers are making seating arrangements for the participants as well as drinking water and temporary sanitation facilities.
The dais itself will be huge to accommodate all of the party heavy-weights. Fifteen parking arenas have been created within the vicinity of the venue for cadres coming from other districts. Madurai district police have made traffic diversions to ensure smooth flow of traffic and security.
Meanwhile, many who boarded a special train from Chennai reached Koodal Nagar railway station on Saturday. Sumptuous food is also readied for participants for breakfast, lunch and supper, with hundreds of cooks engaged in the task. Food will be served from over 150 stalls set up for the purpose.
(With Inputs from PTI)