In a short but grand ceremony, AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa took oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Monday.
While her victory is still the talk of the town, the oath-taking function had an unexpected guest. Much to everyone's surprise, DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin was also present at the ceremony. Mr. Stalin was seated in the 16th row at the Madras University Centenary Auditorium, the venue of the swearing-in function, which is usually avoided by Opposition leaders.
Attended the swearing in of TN CM today. Hope that she fulfils her election promises and works hard for the people of TN. Wish her the best
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) >May 23, 2016
Mr. Stalin won the Kolathur seat in the 2016 Tamil Nadu elections. After the resounding victory of the AIADMK, Mr. Stalin took to social media to convey his wishes for the new Cabinet.
However, DMK's patriarch and Mr. Stalin's father, M. Karunanidhi, was irked by the seating arrangement at the function.
ஜெயலலிதாவைப் பார்க்கும்போது இன்னும் அவர் திருந்தவில்லை, திருந்தப் போவதுமில்லை என்று தான் தெளிவாகப் புரிகிறது! >https://t.co/9KEQFdCVaP
— KalaignarKarunanidhi (@kalaignar89)>May 23, 2016
“Stalin, who has the qualification to sit in the Main Opposition (possibly as its Leader) after (DMK) won 89 seats, was given seat among the crowd whereas Sarath Kumar was seated in the front row,” Mr. Karunanidhi tweeted.
(with inputs from PTI)