Stalin's 20km roadshow a tribute to Madurai's historical roots

Time of India

a day ago

Madurai: Amid cheers, music, and a sea of DMK flags, chief minister M K Stalin on Saturday evening led a 20-kilometre roadshow through the heart of Madurai, in a grand political outreach that also paid tribute to the city's historical roots.
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The event culminated in the unveiling of a bronze statue of the city's first mayor, Subbiah Muthu, popularly known as 'Muthannan'.
Stalin, who arrived from Chennai earlier in the afternoon, rested briefly at a hotel near the airport before beginning the roadshow around 5.30pm at Perungudi, near Dr B R Ambedkar statue. Ministers P Moorthy and Palanivel Thiaga Rajan accompanied him. The convoy passed through Avaniyapuram, Villapuram, Jaihindpuram, Palanganatham, Kalavasal and other neighbourhoods.
Thousands gathered on either side of the road waving party flags and chanting pro-DMK slogans. At several points, Stalin was seen waving back, making quick stops to greet residents, and interacting with children. One heartwarming moment occurred in Parakshathi Nagar, Avaniyapuram, where children dressed as leaders like Karunanidhi, Periyar, Bharathiyar, and Bharat Mata welcomed him. A child impersonating Karunanidhi kissed Stalin, who responded with a flying kiss, sparking loud cheers.
At Jaihindpuram, the CM inaugurated a ₹50-lakh high truss shade at Veera Kaliamman temple, funded through minister Moorthy's MLA development fund. It is expected to benefit the temple and community events, a longtime demand of Jaihindpuram residents.
The convoy had 37 organised reception points with cultural programmes and drum performances along the route. Stalin made a brief visit to the residence of renowned Tamil scholar Solomon Pappaiah.
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However, the massive roadshow affected traffic flow in key parts of the city. Kalavasal, Simmakkal, Goripalayam, and Palanganatham witnessed slow movement and diversions for hours. Corporation sanitation workers swiftly cleared accumulated waste and flower garlands after the convoy passed.
More than 2,000 police personnel were deployed along the route. Barricades were placed at intersections and drone surveillance was carried out to monitor crowd density.
Even though a van was arranged, the CM covered many areas on foot, making it difficult for the cops to control the crowd.
The event also served as a precursor to the DMK's general council meeting scheduled for Sunday, where major resolutions are expected. With reports of a new Covid-19 variant surfacing, the DMK high command has urged all cadres and attendees to wear face masks and follow health protocols throughout the meeting and associated events.
Following the roadshow, Stalin posted on social media that Madurai shook with love and energy. "From 4:30 pm to 9.30 pm, the streets of Madurai overflowed with people, warmth, and unwavering support. I was truly moved by the affection shown by the great people of Madurai. To everyone who welcomed me with the heartfelt words, 'Madurai is the very definition of affection,' my deepest thanks. Your love and support continue to be my greatest strength!"