Hailing Karnataka High Court Judge C.R. Kumarasamy was the highlight of the celebration of ruling party cadres in Madurai over Jayalalithaa’s acquittal in disproportionate assets case on Monday.
The cadre, who remained sceptical and silent in the morning at the office of party urban district unit on Panagal Road, suddenly erupted in joy as soon as the news of acquittal reached them. The cadres were the first to know the verdict of the High Court in Bengaluru much before the police and the large gathering of journalists.
Amidst drizzle, they started rushing towards the middle of the Panagal Road and shouted slogans “Amma vetri” (hailing Ms. Jayalalithaa for the victory) showing the victory symbol, which also represents the party’s symbol.
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After dancing for a few minutes, the cadres also shouted “Kumarasamy vaazhga” ( Hail (HC Judge) Kumarasamy) for his verdict that gave a new lease of political life for their leader and for the party.
This was in sharp contrast to the cadres’ reaction who had shouted slogans against the trial court judge, John Michael D’Cunha, who had awarded four-year jail term for Ms. Jayalalithaa in September 2014.
Reacting to the Monday’s High Court verdict, a woman councillor of Madurai Corporation, Kesavapandiammal, said it was a victory for Amma, a victory for justice. “Its nature’s justice,” she said.
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However, it look liked the cadres were not prepared for the celebrations for the much-awaited verdict. Those who had assembled in small numbers even did not have enough crackers to burst or sweets for distribution.
Meanwhile, they started getting milk packets from the nearby shops and began performing milk abishekams to the placards and portraits of Ms. Jayalalithaa on the wall near the GRH.
The city police heaved a sigh of relief following the verdict.
Vehicular traffic on the Panagal Road was congested for some time. Few advocates tonsured their heads in front of the MGR statue here.