A look at the events leading up to the birth of AIADMK

MGR announced party’s formation on Oct. 18, 1972

The establishment of the AIADMK, which entered the 50th year of its formation on Sunday, was triggered by an issue — probity in public life — which remains valid even today.

It all began on October 8 in Thirukazhukundram, about 75 km from Chennai, with the then treasurer of the ruling DMK, M.G. Ramachandran, urging town, taluk and district secretaries of the party to make public the details of their assets, according to a report published in The Hindu on October 9, 1972.

Pointing out that the demand was made at a “mammoth public meeting” in connection with the birth anniversary of the DMK’s founder and former Chief Minister, C.N. Annadurai, the report quoted the DMK treasurer as saying that he had “strongly criticised” the government for lifting prohibition and “not implementing” the policies of Annadurai.