In an early meeting on Friday morning, AIADMK MLAs are expected to elect former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa leader of their legislature party, paving the way for her return as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister.
Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam will resign from the post the same day, party sources said, making way for the party’s general secretary who is likely to be sworn in on Saturday.
The legislature party meeting will begin at 7 a.m. and is expected to conclude in about half an hour. The MLAs have been asked to assemble at the party headquarters at 6 a.m.
The party currently has 150 members in the Assembly, after P. Vetrivel, AIADMK MLA from Dr. Radhakrishnan (R.K.) Nagar Assembly Constituency resigned last week.
The day will also mark Ms. Jayalalithaa’s first public appearance since the Karnataka High Court acquitted her and three others of serious corruption charges in the disproportionate assets case.
Once Ms. Jayalalithaa assumes charge as Chief Minister again – after nearly seven months out of office – there will be a new Cabinet, party insiders told The Hindu .
Tributes to Anna, MGR
Supporters put up a temporary shelter near Spencer’s Plaza junction, where former Chief Minister M.G.R’s statue stands. She will pay floral tributes to her mentor here on Friday. She will pay respects at the statues of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai and Dravidian icon Periyar on Anna Salai. Mr. Panneerselvam visited the MGR statue to oversee the preparations.
