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Jaya sworn in as CM for fifth time

Last Updated 23 May 2015, 18:58 IST

Putting an end to eight months of uncertainty, AIADMK supremo J Jayalalitha was on Saturday sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister for the fifth time amid huge celebrations across the state by party workers.

 A total of 28 ministers were also sworn in at a glittering ceremony held at the Madras University Centenary Auditorium. Perhaps, for the first time in the history of Tamil Nadu politics, ministers took oath in batches. Of the total, the first batch of 14 Ministers took oath in the name of God in Tamil, followed by the second batch of 14 at a brief function which lasted for about 20 minutes.

Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah administered the oath of office and secrecy to Jayalalitha and her council of ministers. This was the same venue where Jayalalitha took over as the chief minister for the fourth time in 2011. This time, too, Jayalalitha retained the home and police portfolios.

A host of dignitaries, including superstar Rajinikanth and former BCCI president and ICC Chairman N Srinivasan took part in the programme. Jayalalitha’s close aide Sasikala, AIADMK MPs, All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi founder and actor R Sarathkumar and those from the judiciary and film fraternity were present.

Jayalalitha’s comeback was made clear by the presence of BJP leader and Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan, BJP leaders H Raja and L Ganesan.

Slogans hailing Jayalalitha as “Puratchi Thalaivi” (revolutionary leader) and “Amma” rent the air as she took the oath with party workers packed inside and swelling outside the venue. “I hear Amma’s voice after long time. No words to say,” said a senior party functionary. 

To facilitate live telecast of the ceremony, officials had erected three giant electronic screens in and around the university campus for the AIADMK cadres who could not enter the venue. 

Thousands of party workers, who had already taken positions early in the morning near the venue to have a glimpse of their leader, waved the party flag, clapped and danced in joy to drumbeat as Jayalalitha’s convoy sped past them.A beaming Jayalalitha responded to her partymen by waving her hands and flashing the party’s “Two leaves symbol”.

The entire stretch from Poes Garden to the university auditorium was decorated with posters and banners hailing Jayalalitha with catchy slogans. Heavy security arrangements were made for the event. Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said in New Delhi that the state law department is examining the judgment of the High Court which acquitted her of all charges. The government would take a decision on filing an appeal in the case after receiving the report.

Asked whether he has spoken to party top brass in this regard, Siddaramaiah said, “No, the High command does not interfere in state matters”.

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(Published 23 May 2015, 18:58 IST)

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