TN CM graces mass wedding to mark Jayalalithaa's 70th birth anniversary in Kovai

Coimbatore: As many as 86 couples tied the wedding knots at an auspicious function at Thondamathur here on Monday to mark the 70th birth anniversary celebrations of former Chief Minister, J Jayalalithaa.

Repeating 'Amma' style of mass weddings to couples from the economically weaker sections, Chief Minister, Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister, O. Panneerselvam handed over the 'mangal sutras' to the 86 bridegrooms. The AIADMK rural district unit secretary, SP Velusamy presided over the function organised by the party's rural unit at Rajalakshmi wedding hall.

Significantly, 70 types of wedding gifts with each kit including a cooker, bed, clothing, utensils, other kitchen items and a portrait of Jayalalithaa were given to the couples, followed by the customary marriage feast served to one and all.
Addressing the function, Mr. Palaniswami said maximum fund has been allotted to the Education department, even as the percentage of students pursuing higher education has increased under the AIADMK regime. This was made possible by opening of many government colleges across the state since 2011, he said.

Stating that several lakh working women have been befitted through the 'Amma two-wheeler scheme', he said efforts were being taken to construct bus ports at Coimbatore, Salem and Madurai. Efforts are also on to start work on the Metro rail project for Coimbatore soon, he added.

The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for Ukkadam-Aathupalam over bridge estimated to cost Rs. 215.51 crore. He also inaugurated the Rs.130.46 crore Thonadamuthoor-Bhavani joint drinking water project.

State ministers K.A. Sengottaiyan, Thangamani, Udhya Kumar, Udumalai Radhakrishnan, Rajenthra Bhalalji, Duraikannu, Deputy Speaker Pollachi Jayaraman and MLAs were among those who took part in the function.