Synopsis
On February 3, M.K. Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, led a peace march from the Anna statue to Anna Square in Chennai, honoring the legacy of C.N. Annadurai on his 56th death anniversary. Key political figures joined the march, reflecting on Annadurai's contributions to Tamil Nadu's Dravidian political landscape.Key Takeaways
- M.K. Stalin led a peace march in Chennai.
- The event commemorated C.N. Annadurai’s 56th death anniversary.
- Prominent DMK leaders participated in the rally.
- Annadurai was the first Chief Minister from a Dravidian party.
- His legacy continues to influence Tamil Nadu politics.
Chennai, Feb 3 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin spearheaded a peace march on Monday, commencing from the Anna statue at Wallajah Road in Chennai and concluding at Anna Square located on Kamarajar Salai.
This march was organized by the DMK to honor the 56th death anniversary of C.N. Annadurai, the inaugural Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from a Dravidian political party.
Participating in the rally were Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Minister P.K. Sekarbabu, DMK General Secretary and State Water Resources Minister S. Duraimurugan, senior DMK leader and Lok Sabha MP T.R. Baalu, DMK Deputy General Secretary and former Union Minister A. Raja, along with Chennai Mayor R. Priya.
After the march, CM Stalin laid floral tributes at the memorial of Perarignar Annadurai.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with ministers and MPs, also paid their respects.
C.N. Annadurai, who passed away on February 3, 1969, was a legendary Dravidian leader and the first General Secretary of the DMK.
He holds the distinction of being the first leader from a Dravidian political party to ascend to the role of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Famed for his oratory prowess, Annadurai was also a distinguished writer in the Tamil language.
He wrote and performed in numerous plays, some of which were later adapted into films.
Annadurai was a pioneer among politicians from Dravidian parties in utilizing Tamil cinema for political advocacy.
Coming from a middle-class background, Annadurai started as a schoolteacher before transitioning into journalism and subsequently joining the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK), established by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy.
As a devoted follower of Periyar, Annadurai gained recognition within the party. However, ideological differences emerged concerning the demand for an independent Dravida Nadu and its relationship with India.
These differences led Annadurai to part ways with Periyar and, alongside his supporters, establish the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
Initially, the DMK adhered to the ideologies of its parent organization, Dravidar Kazhagam. However, with the changing landscape of national politics and the Indian Constitution, Annadurai eventually moved away from advocating for an independent Dravida Nadu.
Annadurai led numerous protests against the ruling Congress government, resulting in his imprisonment several times. The most significant instance was during the anti-Hindi agitation of 1965, which greatly enhanced his popularity. In the 1967 Tamil Nadu state elections, his party achieved a significant victory, leading to his appointment as Chief Minister. His cabinet was noted as the youngest in India at that time.
Sadly, his term was truncated when he succumbed to cancer just two years after taking office.
A multitude of institutions and organizations have been named in his honor, including the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which was founded by movie star-turned-politician M.G. Ramachandran (MGR).
