Stage set for Jayalalithaa’s swearing-in

Reliable sources said the function may take place on May 23.

A banner welcoming the return of AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa as CM, at Elephant Gate Junction in Chennai.— Photo: V. Ganesan

The stage appears set for former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s return to office after the Karnataka High Court acquitted her of corruption charges on May 11.

The Hindu has reliably learnt that top officials in the State, including Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director-General of Police and Chennai Commissioner of Police met at the Secretariat Wednesday evening, to reportedly make arrangements for the swearing-in function, which is widely expected to be held on May 23 Saturday.

When contacted, C.R. Saraswathi, one of the designated spokespersons of the AIADMK said: “It [swearing-in] is likely to be held on May 23, we hear. We are awaiting confirmation from our headquarters. All of us are eager to see Amma as CM again.”

The ruling partymen across the State have been preparing for her return. Several posters have sprung up across the city, including R.K. Nagar, from where many believe Ms. Jayalalithaa may contest the by-election.

The legislature party meeting to be held Friday morning – where AIADMK MLAs are expected to elect her as their leader again – will clear the decks for her return. After this meeting, Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam is expected to submit his resignation.

Ms. Jayalalithaa will occupy the Chief Minister’s seat after a gap of nearly seven months, of which she spent 21 days in prison before the Supreme Court granted her bail in the disproportionate assets case.

Big crowd expected

“Party cadre will turn up in large numbers to welcome her on Friday,” said a party source, referring to her first public appearance in months.

Several workers were seen on Anna Salai on Wednesday painting the median in the sweltering heat and watering plants that seemed virtually dry.

Tribute to former CMs

Ms. Jayalalithaa will take this stretch on Friday to pay floral tributes to former Chief Ministers C.N. Annadurai, M.G.Ramachandran and Dravidian icon Periyar at their statues along the road.

She may meet the Governor before that, said a party source, adding that the programme is not confirmed as yet.