fter a hiatus for the past few months when she did not attend many public events, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was in the limelight at the first-ever Global Investors Meet in the city, stamping her presence all over the event.
As is the norm, partymen lined up along the roads with flags, her cut-outs, festoons in thousands along the entire stretch from her Poes Garden residence to Chennai Trade Centre in Nandambakkam. Though it is an event organised by the State government, AIADMK cadre gave it a party feel as they celebrated it.
Along the route that her convoy took, dance and musical events were organised on temporary stages, men on horses stood in attention and Amma smiled from banners and posters everywhere. Some of the partymen even tried to perilously come closer to her speeding convoy at times. The venue was painted with green, her favourite colour, including a giant electronic screen that formed the backdrop.
In her first big show after the acquittal in the disproportionate assets case, Ms. Jayalalithaa made some subtle political statements as well. Noting that the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) has spearheaded many recent initiatives to create a more investor-friendly climate and encourage more FDI, she said this will also enthuse investors planning to invest in the States.
She requested Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, who was representing the Centre at the event, to expedite any clearances that may be required from the Centre for investments proposed in this meet. She also requested the other Union Minister, Pon. Radhakrishnan, to provide full support to the various infrastructure projects under her Vision Tamil Nadu 2023.
Ms. Jayalalithaa’s positive remarks on the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has enthused the BJP, which is currently staring at complete isolation ahead of the 2016 Assembly elections. For their part, both the Union Ministers heaped praise on the growth of the State.
“If you recall, UPA Ministers rarely participated in State events. This GIM is certainly a great development towards strengthening the State-Centre relationship,” a State BJP vice-president said.
Politically, BJP leaders pointed out it was crucial for the party to maintain good camaraderie with AIADMK given how alliances were shaping up in Tamil Nadu.
“In the Lok Sabha election, we were able to form an alliance and improve our vote share. But currently, we do not have any allies. Facing an Assembly election alone may not be a great idea,” said the BJP leader.
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