Jayalalithaa verdict: celebrations erupt in TN, Pondy

AIADMK supporters were seen distributing sweets and butter milk in several places.

AIADMK workers broke into celebrations, bursting crackers and distributing sweets following the acquittal of party leader Jayalalithaa by the Karnataka High Court on Monday.

Celebrations by ruling partymen and supporters were witnessed outside the residence of Jayalalithaa in Chennai, her party office and across Tamil Nadu following the judgement.

Hailing the verdict, cadres burst crackers, broke coconuts in fulfilment of vows, played traditional drums and other music instruments to express their joy.

Partymen in almost all towns and cities of Tamil Nadu immediately went into a celebratory mode bursting crackers and distributing sweets to people in public places, bus-stands and railway stations.

“Prayers of people have been answered” they said in Tamil.

AIADMK supporters were seen distributing sweets and butter milk in several places.

Ally of the ruling party, chief of ‘All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi’, Sarathkumar, hailed the verdict and expressed joy.

Celebrations also broke out at Ms. Jayalalithaa’s residence here in Poes Garden after the Karnataka High Court acquitted her in a disproportionate assets case.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, ministers and several district secretaries reached Ms. Jayalalithaa’s residence to chalk out next course of action.

Party cadres jumped in joy, burst crackers and danced to the drum beats.

They chanted “Long Live Amma” and distributed sweets. Some also smashed coconuts on the ground, as an auspicious sign.

AIADMK cadres assembled outside Ms. Jayalalithaa’s residence since Monday morning and were waiting with bated breath for the court’s decision.

The court struck down the trial court verdict in the Rs.66.65 crore disproportionate assets case on an appeal filed by Jayalalithaa.

“It is a victory for justice. It was a case foisted on her,” party spokesperson C.R. Saraswathi said.

AIADMK cadres and leaders also claimed the acquittal was also due to the prayers being held by them ever since Ms. Jayalalithaa was convicted by a trial court last year.

Celebrations in Puducherry

AIADMK MLAs, party workers and leaders of the party’s different wings in the union territory distributed sweets and burst crackers soon after the verdict of Karnataka High Court acquitting Ms. Jayalalithaa came out.

AIADMK workers who were anxiously waiting for the court verdict went into celebratory mood and burst crackers and raised praising Ms. Jayalalithaa.