TN CM lays foundation for MGR arch

Chennai: The foundation stone for a mega arch to commemorate the birth centenary of AIADMK founder late M G Ramachandran was laid on Thursday here by Chief Minister K Palaniswami.

The 66-feet-wide and 52-feet-tall arch would come up on the arterial Kamaraj Salai here, abutting the famous Marina Beach where the late matinee idol-turned-politician's memorial is also located.

Palaniswami laid the foundation stone for the Rs 2.52 crore arch at a function presided over by Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal, an official release said.

He had in 2017 announced in the state assembly that the arch would be built to commemorate the birth centenary of late chief minister Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR.

The ruling AIADMK celebrated the birth centenary of its founder last year on a grand scale.

A charismatic leader, MGR a recipient of the Bharat Ratna, made a name in state politics after he broke away from the DMK, following differences with its chief M Karunanidhi and founded the AIADMK in 1972.

After storming to power in 1977, he ruled the state till his death in 1987.