As part of welfare activities organised to mark the birthday of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, wedding for 104 persons, including a Muslim and Christian bride, were performed at a function here on Monday.
Priests from Tirupparankundram in Madurai solemnised the ceremony after Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam handed over half-sovereign ‘mangalyams’ to the bridegrooms. Later, Mr. Panneerselvam read out a letter, laced with Tirukkural couplets, from Ms. Jalayalithaa to the couples.
Sixty-seven types of wedding gifts, including Rs. 2,000 in cash, would be given to the couples. They are stocked in various places in Theni and the couples have been advised to collect them from party men. Only six close relatives of the bride and bridegroom — father, mother, and maternal uncle — were allowed in the hall. Others viewed the ceremony on a giant video screen installed outside the hall. Later, a wedding feast was organised for the couples. Mr. Panneerselvam took part in the feast.
‘Annan OPS’
Though the speakers at the function addressed Sellur K. Raju as Cooperation Minister and V.V. Rajan Chellappa as Madurai Mayor, nobody addressed Mr. Panneerselvam as Chief Minister or Finance Minister.
They addressed him as ‘Annan OPS.’
Banners erected along the road between Periyakulam and Theni called him Minister for Finance and PWD.
