Cash pours in as Tamil Nadu Government sets up relief fund for Eelam Tamils

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 28 October 2008, 19:54 GMT]
A day after the Tamil Nadu Government's relief fund for Eelam Tamils was set up by Chief Minister Kalaignar Karunanidhi, contributions to the tune of 26 lakh rupees have been received, according to news-reports in the Indian media. In a spirited show of solidarity and to reaffirm his commitment to the cause of mitigating the sorrows of Eelam Tamils, Karunanidhi made the initial contribution of ten lakh rupees from his personal accounts to the relief fund.

Karunanidhi had on Monday requested members of the public to contribute generously to the relief fund. Following his call, most of his state cabinet ministers donated a month's salary. Ministers in the Union Cabinet contributed fifty thousand rupees each. Other major contributors on the first day were from New Justice Party chief A C Shanmugam (five lakh rupees) and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol. Thirumavalavan (two lakh rupees).