Carnival atmosphere prevails at Jaya's swearing-in venue

The oath-taking ceremony of AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa as Tamil Nadu CM was today marked by jubilant celebrations, which was seen as stark contrast to the sombre swearing-in of her trusted aide O Panneeerselvam last year as stop-gap Chief Minister following her conviction.

A carnival atmosphere prevailed at the venue of Jayalalithaa's coronation as Chief Minister for the fifth time with people from all walks of life gathering at the venue to hail the return of 'Amma'.

Ministers-designate and MLAs were beaming as the 'Puratchi Thalavi' (social revolutionary leader) walked up to the dais to be sworn in as CM.

Superstar Rajinikanth was also seen in the gathering, exchanging greetings with popular actor Sarathkumar who was seated next to him.

BJP leader and Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan was seen chatting with AIADMK leader and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai.

Jayalalithaa's close aide Sasikala was also present on the occasion.

The party supremo's well-wishers and party supporters rose in unison to greet her, acknowledged with folded hands, as soon as she entered the auditorium. The party supporters shouted slogans hailing her return 'Puratchi Thalavi Vazhga' (Long live revolutionary leader) after she went up to the dais for swearing-in.

Jayalalithaa had yesterday made her first public appearance after nearly eight months following her conviction by a trial court and later acquittal by Karnataka High Court in the disproportionate assets case.