Chennai: The 109th birth anniversary of the legendary actor-politician M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) was celebrated with grand enthusiasm across Tamil Nadu on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
MGR, the founder of the AIADMK and a former Chief Minister, remains a massive cultural and political icon in the state. While fans garlanded his statues and distributed sweets, the day turned highly political as AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) used the occasion to launch the party’s campaign for the upcoming 2026 Assembly Elections.
Here is a full round-up of the celebrations, the big political announcements, and how national leaders paid tribute.
The Big Announcement: AIADMK’s “Part-1” Manifesto
With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections just a few months away (expected May 2026), EPS made a surprise move. After garlanding MGR’s statue at the party headquarters in Chennai, he released the “Part-1 Election Manifesto”.
To counter the ruling DMK’s welfare schemes, EPS announced five major promises if AIADMK returns to power:
- Free Scooters for Women: A scheme to provide two-wheelers to 5 lakh women (likely a subsidy or full grant).
- More Work Days: Increasing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) workdays from 100 to 150 days.
- Free Bus Travel for All: Currently, women travel free in town buses. EPS has promised to extend this free bus service to men as well.
- Welfare for Weavers: Special financial assistance packages for the handloom sector.
- Monthly Assistance Hike: Increasing the monthly aid for vulnerable sections (widows, elderly).
EPS also cut a massive 109 kg cake to mark the 109th year of the leader and distributed sarees and free food (Annadhanam) to the public.
PM Modi and Amit Shah Pay Tribute
National leaders also joined in honoring the “Puratchi Thalaivar” (Revolutionary Leader).
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to pay homage. He described MGR as a “statesman and cultural icon” whose contribution to Tamil Nadu’s progress is unforgettable.
- Amit Shah (Union Home Minister) praised MGR’s “transformative impact” on the poor through his welfare schemes and cinema.
The “MGR Temple” Draws Crowds
Away from the politics, genuine love for MGR was visible in Nathamedu village, near Tirunindravur. Hundreds of fans visited a unique MGR Temple built by a staunch loyalist, L. Kalaivanan.
The temple houses a presiding deity statue of MGR and a separate statue of his mother, Sathya Bhama. Devotees performed poojas and offered prayers, proving that even decades after his passing, MGR is worshipped literally as a god by many in rural Tamil Nadu.
Vijay’s TVK and the Battle for Legacy
This year is special because of the entry of actor Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
- With the 2026 elections approaching, Vijay’s party cadres also celebrated MGR’s birthday in various districts by organizing welfare drives.
- Political analysts say this year’s MGR Jayanti is a battle for his legacy. While AIADMK claims him as their sole founder, other parties, including the BJP and TVK, are trying to appropriate his pro-poor image to win votes in the upcoming polls.
What Happens Next?
The political heat in Tamil Nadu has officially gone up.
- DMK’s Response: The ruling DMK government is expected to counter EPS’s “Free Bus for Men” promise with their own new schemes in the upcoming state budget.
- Campaign Mode: With the manifesto teaser out, AIADMK cadres will now take these five promises to every village in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is MGR’s birthday celebrated?
MGR’s birthday is celebrated every year on January 17. He was born in 1917. In 2026, the state celebrated his 109th birth anniversary.
2. What did EPS promise on MGR’s birthday 2026?
Edappadi Palaniswami promised free bus travel for men (in addition to women), increased MGNREGA workdays (150 days), and two-wheelers for 5 lakh women if AIADMK wins the 2026 election.
3. Is there really an MGR temple?
Yes. There is a famous temple dedicated to MGR in Nathamedu village (Tirunindravur), Chennai. It was built by a fan named L. Kalaivanan in 2011, where daily poojas are conducted.
4. Why is MGR so important for the 2026 elections?
Even though he passed away in 1987, MGR’s “vote bank” (the poor and rural women) is still the biggest prize in Tamil Nadu politics. Every party wants to claim they are the true successors of his welfare governance.
5. Did Vijay participate in MGR birthday celebrations?
His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), organized welfare events across the state. Vijay himself has often spoken about following the path of leaders like MGR and Kamarajar.