The hundreds of supporters of AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa gathered outside the High Court did not have to wait long to hear what they wished to. In less than five minutes after proceedings commenced, a festive atmosphere prevailed on the court premises with the crowd erupting into a joyous celebration sharing sweets, as they got the news of Jayalalithaa's acquittal. The supporters, who had gathered in the area despite prohibitory orders, also burst crackers. Slogans “Amma Vazhga” and “Puratchi Talaivi Amma Vazhga” rung the air. They brought out a large photograph of Jayalalithaa to which they offered pooja.
As television reporters were reporting the verdict live from the high court premises, the supporters even took objection to reporters referring to her as a former Chief Minister. They corrected the reporters, screaming that ‘amma’ was always their Chief Minister.
The battery of advocates, who represented her, were carried on shoulders in a procession. The celebrations were low key as compared to earlier hearings as no prominent leader or Minister had come down to the city on Monday. Sources said that Jayalalithaa had instructed supporters not to crowd Bengaluru. Despite this, police estimated that more than 1,500 AIADMK workers had turned up in the city.
