Veerapandi, Jan 15: On the occasion of Thai Pongal, the AIADMK organized a grand celebration yesterday at Puthur Agraharam in the Veerapandi Assembly constituency, Salem district. AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami inaugurated the event by symbolically preparing Pongal in 108 pots, offering camphor prayers to the Sun God.He paid tribute to a statue of AIADMK founder and former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran by garlanding it, hoisted the party flag, and performed a “Go Pooja” (cow worship) at the Easwaran temple. He also enjoyed watching the traditional Tamil folk dance, Valli Kummi, performed at the event.
During his speech, Palaniswami emphasized the importance of Pongal as the only festival dedicated to farmers, who provide food for the world. He said, “As a farmer myself, I celebrate this festival with all of you.”
He criticized the DMK government, stating, “The DMK came to power in 2021 with false promises. In these four years, nothing good has happened for the people. Only Chief Minister Stalin’s family has benefited, growing richer and more prosperous.”
He further urged his supporters, “Let 2025 be the year to send the corrupt DMK home. Everyone must work hard to ensure the AIADMK returns to power in the 2026 Assembly elections.”
The event witnessed the presence of key leaders, including AIADMK Organizing Secretary Semmalai, Salem Suburban District Secretary Elangovan, and MLAs such as Veerapandi Rajamuthu, South Balasubramaniyan, and Yercaud MLA Chitra. Several union secretaries, including Veerapandi Varadharaj, Venkatesan, Panamarathupatti Jaganathan, and Balachandran, also participated.
The Pongal celebration stood out as a display of Tamil traditions and culture, combined with political fervor as Palaniswami rallied AIADMK cadres for the upcoming elections.