Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami has defended his government’s decision to unveil the portrait of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in the State Assembly, saying it would be a great honour for the Assembly.
‘Role model for CMs’
Speaking to mediapersons after inaugurating the annual summer festival here on Saturday, Mr. Palaniswami said that Jayalalithaa has always been revered and held in high esteem by the masses.
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“There is nothing wrong in paying respect to the leader who was totally committed to the welfare of the people,” he said.
Claiming that the former Chief Minister’s memorial at the Marina beach in Chennai drew over 30,000 visits each day, Mr. Palaniswami said this was a testament to her popularity.
“Jayalalithaa was elected Chief Minister for a record six times and was regarded as a role model by many Chief Ministers from other States,” he said.
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Alleging that there was a political conspiracy behind the opposition to the unveiling of Jayalalithaa’s portrait, Mr. Palaniswami proclaimed that “no power on earth can prevent the continuation of ‘Amma rule’ in the State.”