As satellite channels began flashing “unconfirmed” news that the Karnataka High Court granted AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa conditional bail, hundreds of party cadre who had gathered in front of the party headquarters at Royapettah and at her Poes Garden residence, were overjoyed.
Crackers were burst, sweets distributed, and slogans hailing “Amma” rent the air at the party headquarters on Lloyds Road around 3.30 p.m. The women cadre began dancing amid tears of joy on everyone’s face.
“This is Amma’s first victory. Once, she comes out on bail, she will win the case to become Chief Minister again,” a youth wing leader said. But this euphoria was short-lived. Within minutes, news that the Karnataka High Court had rejected Ms. Jayalalithaa’s bail plea began to trickle in.
The cadre were stunned.
The slogans stopped. Tears now marked despair.
