CHENNAI: Ecstatic AIADMK cadres from across the State assembled in the city to greet their leader Jayalalithaa who was sworn in as Chief Minister of the State for the sixth time.
Crawling traffic, choked roads and scorching heat - none of these could deter the enthusiastic cadres from parading through the packed streets of Chepauk, Thiruvallikeni with party flags, banners and red-white-black coloured balloons.
Adding more colour to the atmosphere were MGR-Jayalalithaa duet songs from their movies. This led by dance and music performance by various troupes from the south who thronged the campaign venue.
Supporters dressed like MGR, and dancing like the hero evoked memories of years past with many senior party cadres equally celebrating Amma’s victory.
The Marina Beach Road wore a festive look with security being beefed up. Vendors, keen to cash in on the occasion, had put up makeshift stalls at the venue, as thousands waited anxiously for the charismatic AIADMK leader to arrive
While some had arrived as early as 6 in the morning to have a glimpse of Jayalalithaa, others from neighbouring districts had reached the previous night to catch sight of the decorations and arrangements made around the University of Madras premises where the swearing-in ceremony took place.
Interestingly banners wishing success, which were considered as an integral part of celebrations in the State were missing along the Kamaraj Road where thousands had gathered for ‘dharshan’ of their favourite leader.
Stalls were setup by party supporters along the pedestrian pathways on both sides of the road to provide food, water and buttermilk for the joyous crowd.
Though many who reached the locality around 10 am were restricted access, the early birds had a chance to watch the live telecast of the ceremony via giant LED screens placed diagonally opposite to Ezhilagam. The crowd just fired up when Jayalalithaa took her oath.
AIADMK cadres too were excited and said that they had been waiting for this day when ‘Amma’ would take charge as CM. ‘It is a big moment for us, to catch a glimpse of our leader. I hope she would lead Tamil Nadu’s path to glory in the next 5 years”, said S Durai, a party worker.