In a stern message to the Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu, AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa asked her political opponents to end today any thoughts of decimating her political life, or the “great party” founded by late MGR.
Stating that the Karnataka High Court verdict gave her “immense satisfaction” as it had cleared the slur on her public life and the charges levelled against her by the Opposition, she affirmed: “The verdict proves I’m completely innocent.”
In her first statement to people after her conviction by a trial court last September, Ms. Jayalalithaa said she had always desired the well-being of the Tamils and vowed to work for their welfare always.
Acquitted of all charges in the disproportionate assets case by the special bench of Karnataka High Court on Monday, Ms. Jayalalithaa chose to remain inside her Poes Garden residence even as the cadre went into celebration mode outside her house and across the State.
While everyone was waiting for her to make a public appearance as she has confined herself in her home from the time the Supreme Court granted bail, she issued a statement through party headquarters.
“It is not a victory for me personally. Justice and dharma have triumphed. Conspiracies may win temporarily but the final victory is always for truth,” she said.
On the occasion she recalled the “sacrifices” of 233 party workers who had committed suicide from the time of her conviction, including four on Sunday, Ms. Jayalalithaa said had they been patient they might have celebrated with the rest of Tamil Nadu on Monday.
She thanked the party workers, especially women and all the people of Tamil Nadu who had prayed for her release.
