Thumping win for Jaya

Asserting her supremacy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha scripted history by posting a huge victory in the R K Nagar by-poll, results for which was declared on Tuesday.

All candidates, including Jayalalitha’s nearest rival C Mahendran of the CPI, lost their deposit.

Jayalalitha was declared elected by a margin of 1,51,722 votes, trouncing Mahendran, who could secure only 9,170 votes. The AIADMK chief established an unassailable lead right from the first round.

The constituency also recorded one of the highest number of none of the above votes (2,376).

AIADMK cadres celebrated her victory across the State even before the results were declared. The party headquarters wore a festive look as the cadres burnt crackers and distributed sweets.

She also created a record by becoming the first candidate in R K Nagar constituency to record more than 1 lakh votes.

The previous record was 84,462 by former AIADMK MLA P K Sekarbabu (now with the opposition DMK) in 2006 and P Vetrivel (AIADMK) 83,777 in 2011.

The victory margin was also one of the biggest in the state’s recent by-poll history and is expected to bolster the party’s morale during the Assembly election to be held next May.
The by-election was necessitated following the resignation of AIADMK legislator P Vetrivel to pave the way for Jayalalitha to get elected to the Assembly following her acquittal in the disproportionate assets case.

Loyalists go the extra mile

Emotional Jaya loyalists pierced their tongues and shaved off their heads as a way of thanking the deities for her victory. “It is my pride. I have to fulfil my vows to god,” said Sekar, an AIADMK loyalist. Ten AIADMK youth wing members also tonsured their heads as a way of thanking the divinity for Jaya’s victory.