MGR relatives join BJP

As Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK celebrated the birth centenary of its late founder and Chief Minister MG Ramachandran (MGR), some of his relatives joined the BJP.

At a brief function at Bharatiya Janata Party's state headquarters Kamalalayam in Chennai, Leelavathi, daughter of MGR's elder brother M G Chakrapani, and her son Praveen among other family members enrolled themselves in the BJP.

Speaking to the media after joining the BJP in the presence of union minister for road transport and shipping, Pon Radhakrishnan and other senior leaders, Leelavathi said that prime minister Narendra Modi has been giving good governance like MGR did.

On the same day, late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa Jayakumar reiterated her position on joining politics in a media address. However, she is yet to clarify whether to join AIADMK or float her own party.

Deepa said she would announce her next course of action on February 24, on the birth anniversary of her aunt Jayalalithaa, who died on December 5.

Meanwhile, Chief minister O Panneerselvam led the state in paying tributes to former CM and AIADMK founder M G Ramachandan, on the latter's birth centenary. AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala too attended a string of events.