Unprecedented police security was provided to the new general secretary of AIADMK, V.K. Sasikala, on Saturday as she travelled from former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s residence in Poes Garden to party headquarters in Royapettah.
“Even Jayalalithaa was not provided so much security. There are more policemen than party cadre. It is not a good sign,” said a long-time resident of Poes Garden.
Personnel from the city police and other units were seen from morning stopping the cadre and mediapersons on Binny Road itself and not letting them go anywhere near Veda Nilayam, where Sasikala lives now.
Barricades were put up en route the party headquarters.
‘Spontaneity is missing’
AIADMK cadre trickled in from the morning and waited on the roads. “Compared to the crowds Jayalalithaa received, this is hardly anything. The spontaneity is also missing,” said a police officer.
Security was provided to avert any untoward incident, he added.
Minutes before Ms. Sasikala left Veda Nilayam, City Police Commissioner S. George personally inspected the security arrangements along the route.
On seeing party cadre at the corner of street, Ms. Sasikala bowed to them with folded hands and proceeded to the AIADMK headquarters where she took charge as general secretary.
