Sympathisers of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, who was convicted in a disproportionate assets case by a Bangalore special court on Saturday, have planned a series of protests and token fasts throughout the city on Tuesday, condemning the judgement.
Various sections of the ruling party, including its youth wings in different pockets of the city, have announced that cadre would form human-chains and stage agitations, likely to kick-start on Tuesday morning. Protests have also been planned in Koyambedu and Valluvarkottam.
Police security at the residence of BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Papanasam Sivan Salai in Santhome has been strengthened as cadre of the Indian National League Party have threatened to agitate outside the bungalow around 3 p.m. on Tuesday. According to police sources, AIADMK cadre are also expected to join the protest in Santhome.
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With protests planned in different parts of the city on Tuesday, rumours are rife that there could be chaos resulting in a complete shutdown similar to Saturday’s. But this time, the city police have received advance intelligence on the events likely to occur, and is well prepared.
‘Do not panic’ The police have advised the public not to panic as personnel will be posted around the city.
“We will ensure the agitations scheduled are held in a peaceful manner as posses of police are posted for all the protests. Additional strength has been deployed at vital installations and on the main roads,” said a senior officer with the commissionerate.
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The ruling party’s IT wing has planned to form a human chain from the party headquarters in Royapettah to Poes Garden on Wednesday morning, in an expression of solidarity and support for their leader.
Normalcy lasts On Monday morning, AIADMK MLA (T. Nagar) V.P. Kalairajan joined a group of cadre in a token fast against the verdict, at Anna Square. However, normalcy prevailed throughout the city on the day, as focus completed shifted to the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Minister and his cabinet.