Governor, CM extend Pongal greetings

Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and leaders of various political parties today extended their Pongal festival greetings to the people wishing them growth and prosperity.
Governor Rosaiah, in his greetings, said, "Let us re-dedicate ourselves to preserve nature and safeguard the environment. May this harvest festival usher in robust growth, progress and prosperity."
Greeting the people, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, outlined her government's several schemes for the benefit of farmers including exemption of farm inputs from VAT and subsidy for small and marginal farmers.
The government has also provided special Pongal gift package (rice, and sugar a kilo each besides Rs.100 in cash) to the people, she said.

DMK president M Karunanidhi greeted people in their celebration of "both Pongal and the Tamil New Year."
In 2008, during the DMK regime, a legislation was enacted designating the first day of Tamil month Thai as the beginning of Tamil New Year. This was rescinded after the AIADMK assumed office in 2011.
DMDK President Vijayakanth, MDMK general secretary Vaiko, and PMK leader S Ramadoss were among others who greeted the people.