Date:31/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/31/stories/2007103161961000.htm

Tamil Nadu

Karunanidhi promises to talk to Centre

S. Vijay Kumar

Naming of airport after Muthuramalinga Thevar

PASUMPON: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Tuesday promised to take up with the Centre the long-pending demand of naming the Madurai airport after Muthuramalinga Thevar.

He gave this assurance at a function organised to mark the centenary celebrations of Thevar at Pasumpon in Ramanathapuram district. Amidst tight security, Mr. Karunanidhi drove to Pasumpon and placed a wreath at the Thevar memorial.

More aid for students

He said the State Government would consider enhancing financial assistance to school/college students residing in Adi Dravidar, Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes hostels in the next budget.

Responding to an appeal by Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary N. Varadarajan to increase allowances of students in government hostels, Mr. Karunanidhi said it was during the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam regime that the stipend was increased by Rs.100 a month.

Three colleges in Madurai, Tirunelveli and Ramanathapuram districts were named after Thevar.

Mr. Karunanidhi condemned the attack on Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president M. Krishnasswamy at Keezha Kanniseri near Mudukulathur on Monday night.

“I was told that Mr. Krishnasswamy was stabbed in a deadly mob attack. The violence is against the very spirit of this celebration and has to be condemned in the strongest terms. The accused will be apprehended soon.”

Mr. Varadarajan said an “evil force” was spreading violence in the State. A group was also opposing the Sethusamudram Shipping Channel Project that would bring prosperity to the nation.

The Chief Minister inaugurated buildings, roads and other development works completed at a cost of Rs.2.05 crore to commemorate the centenary celebrations and distributed welfare aid worth Rs.12 lakh to 12,212 beneficiaries.

Pattali Makkal Katchi leader G.K. Mani said that the life history of Thevar should be included in school curriculum.

K.M. Khader Mohideen of the Indian Union Muslim League urged the Government to establish a research centre of spiritual nationalism at Madurai Kamaraj University.

Communist Party of India leader R. Nallakannu and State Information Minister Parithi Ilamvazhuthi spoke.