Political leaders from across various parties, including the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Congress, MDMK, CPI(M), and CPI, paid respects to late Congress stalwart and Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) founder G.K. Moopanar on his 25th death anniversary at his memorial in Chennai on Sunday.

Participating in the event in the presence of TMC (Moopanar) leader G.K. Vasan, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister A. Srinath said: “Just as how the TVK is striving to create a Tamil Nadu without bribery, Moopanar followed Kamarajar Ayya in his path, working for the people and not going after positions.”

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president B. Manickam Tagore said: “One of [former Prime Minister] Rajiv Gandhi’s dreams was to bring back Kamarajar’s rule in Tamil Nadu under the leadership of Moopanar. When I asked Madam (Sonia Gandhi) how she remembers Moopanar, she replied, ‘He was one of those brave leaders who prevented communal forces from coming to power’. He was an identity for many of us,’” he said.

MDMK chief Vaiko recalled his association with Moopanar as an MP in New Delhi.