Chennai

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday paid homage to former Chief Minister C N Annadurai, popularly known as Perarignar Anna, on the 57th anniversary of his death.

Chief Minister Stalin, accompanied by senior DMK leaders and party workers, led a peace procession to mark the occasion and offered floral tributes at Annadurai’s memorial on Marina Beach. Remembering the DMK founder’s enduring legacy, Stalin described Annadurai as the moral compass of the Tamil people.

“Anna lives not just in remembrance on special days, but in our thoughts every single day,” the Chief Minister said, highlighting the former leader’s deep imprint on Tamil Nadu’s social and political life.

In a message shared on social media, Stalin noted that Annadurai’s presence can be felt across the state through major public institutions and infrastructure named in his honour, including Anna Salai, the Anna Flyover, the Anna Centenary Library and the Anna Bus Terminus.

Taking a political swipe, Stalin said Tamil Nadu continues to stand firm against attempts at linguistic, cultural and financial imposition. He asserted that the state remains rooted in Annadurai’s principles and would resist what he described as arrogance and dominance imposed from outside. “No matter how much time passes, it is Anna who continues to rule Tamil Nadu,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, dressed in a black shirt, paid floral tributes at Annadurai’s memorial along with senior party leaders, including K P Munuswamy and Dindigul Srinivasan.

In a post on X, Palaniswami said it was the responsibility of the AIADMK, which carries Annadurai’s name, to safeguard Tamil Nadu from what he termed “destructive forces.” He expressed confidence that with public support, the party would put an end to the current DMK government.

Palaniswami recalled that Annadurai is fondly remembered across generations as “Anna,” meaning elder brother, reflecting the affection people held for him. He said Annadurai consistently urged leaders to remain close to the people, learn from them and serve them selflessly—values he practiced throughout his life.

Observing Annadurai’s memorial day, Palaniswami said restoring governance rooted in Anna’s ideals would be the most meaningful tribute to the visionary leader and scholar.

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Conjeevaram Natarajan Annadurai (September 15, 1909 – February 3, 1969) was the founder of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and its first general secretary. He served as the last Chief Minister of Madras State and went on to become the first Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.