M.G. Ramachandran was 'Golden Chapter' of Tamil Nadu politics, says Palaniswami

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Wednesday paid rich tributes to late Chief Minister and party founder M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) , calling him the “golden chapter of Tamil Nadu’s political history” who took the poor’s suffering as his own . Speaking on MGR’s 38th death anniversary , Palaniswami hailed the matinee idol-turned-leader as an “unparalleled former chief minister” who shaped the state’s social justice, education, and healthcare policies.

MGR, who ruled Tamil Nadu from 1977 to 1987 , earned the title ‘Puratchi Thalaivar’ (Revolutionary Leader) through populist measures such as the mid-day meal scheme, which directly benefited millions of children. Palaniswami highlighted that MGR founded the AIADMK to uphold the democratic and social welfare ideals of Dravidian stalwart C.N. Annadurai (Perarignar Anna), at a time when attempts were made to turn Tamil Nadu into a family fiefdom.

Paying floral tributes at MGR’s memorial at Marina Beach , Palaniswami pledged to end what he called the ‘evil force DMK’s’ rule, framing it as fulfilling MGR’s vision to protect the people and reclaim the state ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Across Tamil Nadu, AIADMK cadres commemorated MGR with prayers, blood donation camps, and statue garlandings , recalling his unique blend of cinematic charisma and welfare governance. The events also coincided with the death anniversary of rationalist leader E.V. Ramasamy ‘Periyar’, linking MGR’s legacy to the broader Dravidian social reform movement. Party functionaries reaffirmed their loyalty to MGR’s democratic ideals, vowing to continue his mission of service to the people.