Chennai, Aug 30 (PTI) TNCC chief Manickam Tagore and senior Congress leaders besides other political leaders, on Sunday paid rich tributes to TMC founder GK Moopanar on his 25th death anniversary.
The leaders paid floral tributes at his memorial at Teynampet here and recalled his contributions to Tamil Nadu politics and the Congress Party.
“Moopanar had three members in Lok Sabha. Had he chosen not to vote alongside AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa at that time, the Vajpayee government would have survived. However, acting upon the request of Sonia Gandhi, he remained steadfast in his principles without any deviation,” Tagore told reporters, while referring to the no confidence motion moved against the then BJP-led NDA government in 1999.
“While growing up in the youth Congress, he served as an iconic figure for many of us,” he said, adding, “On his death anniversary, paying homage to him on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) is our solemn duty.” Congress Rajya Sabha member Praveen Chakravarty said, “Not having the opportunity to meet the late Moopanar is one of the greatest regrets in my life. However, I share a deep and long-standing friendship with his son, G K Vasan, and his family. Through them, I have learned a great deal about Moopanar’s life and political journey.” Senior BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan said, “From my childhood I have known Moopanar. A very decent politician, who was very strong in his ideology at the same time, not hurting the other leaders.” Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister A Srinath, representing the ruling TVK, visited Moopanar’s memorial here and placed a wreath.
“It is a great privilege for me to participate in this remembrance day. May his fame/legacy live on forever,” he said.
MDMK chief Vaiko and senior CPI(M) leader T K Rangarajan recalled Moopanar’s immense contributions to Indian politics and his exemplary public life.
Vaiko highlighted Moopanar’s proximity to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and praised his selflessness, noting how he walked in the footsteps of ‘Kingmaker’ K Kamaraj by putting the nation’s leadership above personal ambition.
Rangarajan commended Vasan for carrying forward his father’s enduring legacy and organising the commemorative event to champion secular, progressive, and inclusive politics.
Moopanar was a veteran Congress leader and later floated Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) after quitting the national party. PTI SNR SNR KH
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