MGR, Jaya memorial opens at Salem

The Chief Minister reiterated that the AIADMK regime will continue in the state by breaking away all hurdles with the blessings of MGR and J Jayalalithaa and with the support of people.

The memorial raised in Anna Park of Salem Corporation also has life-size bronze statues of both the leaders installed at the entrance. Inaugurating the memorial coinciding with MGR’s birth anniversary celebrations, the Chief Minister also named Omalur Main Road as Dr MGR Road. “Both the leaders dedicated their lives for the upliftment of poor by giving them better education, medical facilities and improved their living standards,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that memorials have been built with statues for thespian actor Sivaji Ganesan in Chennai and Dr Sivanthi Aditanar, former chairman of Thanthi Group at Tiruchendur.

“The government announced a memorial for freedom fighter Ramasamy Padayachiyar at Manjakuppam village in Cuddalore district and his birth anniversary will be celebrated as a government function. Works are also under way to raise a memorial stone for musician Nallappasamy in Vilathikulam in Tirunelveli district, Bharatmata memorial in Dharmapuri district and the government has decided to observe ‘vizha’ for freedom fighter Pulithevan,” he said. The Chief Minister, accompanied by a host of officials, also flagged off new buses and inaugurated a high mast lamp. Later at a function to lay the foundation stone for a new flyover on Salem-Coimbatore national highways at Magudanchavadi, Palaniswami criticised DMK leader MK Stalin for holding ‘Grama Sabha’ meetings.

“I wonder how many villages did he visit and how many people did he meet while being in power and holding the Local Administration portfolio? Nothing at all, but now, he is doing things to gain fake publicity and for political gains with an eye on Lok Sabha polls. However, the people can never be fooled,” he said. Palaniswami also announced a slew of infrastructure works, new roads, water and flyover projects.