Ever since the Karnataka High Court acquitted former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on May 11, partymen have been eagerly awaiting her public appearance.
The rows of congratulatory and welcome messages dotting Anna Salai point to the keenness among supporters waiting to catch a glimpse of the leader whose acquittal they were all hoping and praying for.
However, except for the brief official statement issued by Ms. Jayalalithaa on May 11, the day of her acquittal, Poes Garden has been largely shrouded in silence. The Hindu reliably learns that even top Ministers and officials did not meet the leader until late Thursday, and they have thus far only communicated with her via intercom in her house. Any query on the government’s next move or the possible date of her return to office by journalists would evoke only one response. “No official word as yet.”
When Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president E.V.K.S. Elangovan questioned her absence, it seemed to echo the sentiment of many others in the State, including some within the AIADMK.
The only communication from the leader with her party came by way of statements after the death of some cadre.
In these statements, she repeatedly asked supporters not to lose heart because of the rumours that she accused the opposition parties of spreading.
Meanwhile, with growing speculation over her health, senior party members maintained “Amma is fine” and would make a public appearance “at the right time”.
