Cadres' joy shortlived as bail eludes Amma

Bursting in joy only to sink in sorrow, it was heartbreak for J Jayalalitha’s supporters as initial impression that Karnataka High Court was setting the AIADMK chief free proved premature.

“Over enthusiastic” supporters burst crackers and distributed sweets as news channels flashed Special Public Prosecutor Bhavani Singh’s reported disclosure in court that he had no objections in setting conditional bail for Jayalalitha.

As jubilant supporters danced in front of party headquarters, some local channels reported former chief minister was in fact “given conditional bail.” At Jayalalitha’s Poes Garden residence, thousands of AIADMK cadres including party’s women functionaries celebrated prematurely.

“Something went wrong. At least the court should have granted bail to our Amma considering her health conditions. It is very unfortunate. Our chief will come out soon,” K Vilvam, AIADMK’s Harbour Zonal Secretary, said.

Thereafter, cadres went on rampage as news emerged bail was rejected, blocking roads and disturbing vehicular traffic. Sweets stacked for distribution, turned into ammunition as cadres pelted moving vehicles with them. However, police dispersed the cadres before the situation went out of control.

Cities like Trichy, Coimbatore, Madurai and Tirunelveli reported sporadic incidents of violence including stone pelting. By evening, many places, including Chennai, wore deserted look as shopkeepers downed shutters fearing violence by angry cadres.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam asked people not to indulge in agitations or protests that would affect normal life. Unidentified persons, on two-wheeler, pelted stones on Data Udipi Hotel breaking glass windows. In Palani at Dindigul District, AIADMK cadres allegedly damaged couple of buses bearing Karnataka registration.