The Hindu : Front Page : M.G. Ramachandran's statue unveiled in Parliament complex

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Friday, Dec 08, 2006
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M.G. Ramachandran's statue unveiled in Parliament complex

J. Venkatesan

The nine-foot high bronze statue was donated by AIADMK

— Photo: R.V. Moorthy

HISTORIC OCCASION: Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekawat, AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, MDMK chief Vaiko, Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani and other lead ers at the unveiling of M.G. Ramachandran's statue in the Parliament complex on Thursday.

New Delhi: A statue of former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran was unveiled in the Parliament complex on Thursday by Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee in the presence of Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Jayalalithaa and others.

The nine-foot high bronze statue, sculpted by Mani Nagappa, was donated by the AIADMK. Bharatiya Janata Party leader L.K. Advani, MDMK leader Vaiko, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Rehman Khan, Union Ministers Pranab Mukherjee, P. Chidambaram, Priyaranjan Dasmunsi and Jairam Ramesh, AIADMK Members of Parliament and senior leaders of the party were present.

Man of masses

A booklet released on the occasion described Bharata Ratna MGR as a man of the masses who strived for their welfare. He was a remarkable politician, nationalist to the core and visionary Chief Minister. He strived ceaselessly for the betterment and welfare of the people, particularly the poor. A renowned actor, MGR propagated, through his films, high ideals, which he hoped would take root among the people. His Chief Ministership was recognised for its contribution to the growth of higher education, systematic rural development, the mid-day meal scheme and reservation for weaker sections.

Ms. Jayalalithaa later told reporters that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh could not attend the function due to pressing engagements, but had extended his best wishes. Asked why Congress president Sonia Gandhi did not turn up though she was invited, Ms. Jayalalithaa said, "You should ask her this question."

"On a historic occasion like this, which transcends all political considerations, everyone from Tamil Nadu should have participated," she said. MGR was an illustrious son of India. He did not belong just to the AIADMK or Tamil Nadu but the entire country. Hence the Government of India honoured him with the Bharat Ratna.

Ms. Jayalalithaa, who met Uttar Pradesh Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Wednesday evening at the residence of Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, said "a political realignment will take place in the near future both at the national level as also in Tamil Nadu." Asked when it would happen, she said, "I cannot give any time limit."

On the Women's Reservation Bill, she said, "It is a tragedy. It is not being enacted."

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