The Hindu : Front Page : Be ready to retain State power, DMK cadres told

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Friday, Aug 15, 2008
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Be ready to retain State power, DMK cadres told

Special Correspondent

Usman Road-Doraiswamy Road flyover opened

— Photo: S.R. Raghunathan

GRAND OPENING: The convoy of Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi passing over the flyover he inaugurated on Usman Road in Chennai on Thursday.

CHENNAI: Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M. Karunanidhi on Thursday said it was time for DMK partymen to make preparations to retain State power.

This would enable them to establish more municipal corporations, he told a function in the city to mark the inauguration of the Usman Road-Doraiswamy Road flyover.

Calling upon Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin and the local body to build more such flyovers, Chief Minister urged them to strive for the beautification of Chennai. He wanted the authorities concerned to make the city on a par with Mumbai and Delhi and lay broader roads.

Referring to the flyover which was named after Mohamed Usman, who during the British period held various posts, including that of the Governor of Madras, and Doraiswamy, renowned ophthalmologist, the Chief Minister recalled his relationship with the two personalities. Communal harmony was beneficial for the country and this was the governing principle of secular organisations and governments.

Criticising those who preferred to describe Theagaraya Nagar as T. Nagar, he said deliberate attempts were being made to black out the importance of contributions made by leaders of the Self-Respect Movement.

Likewise, many did not use the name ‘Kamarajar Salai’ for Beach Road on the Marina. Recalling that it was he who named the road after former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, Mr. Karunanidhi said there was the talk of restoring Kamaraj rule, whereas the road carrying his name was not called by that name.

Commending Mr Stalin for his work in local administration, the Chief Minister said he (Mr.Stalin) had already held the post of Chennai Mayor. His enthusiasm would take him to greater heights, Mr Karunanidhi said. The Local Administration Minister said the Perambur flyover, one of the flyovers that could not be completed during the previous DMK regime (1996-2001), would be ready by next December.

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