CHENNAI: Leaders of all political parties heaped praises on Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Wednesday for the achievements of the AIADMK government during the first year of its term. All along Kamarajar Salai (along Marina Beach), AIADMK cadre gathered in large numbers and greeted Jayalalithaa on her way to Fort St George. The AIADMK chief reciprocated it by waving the victory symbol. Senior Ministers, including Finance Minister O Panneerselvam, received her with a bouquet at the Secretariat. She was accorded a warm welcome when she entered the Assembly, which was decorated with flowers, at 9.49 a.m. During the session, leaders of most parties, except the DMDK, hailed the achievements of the government. DMDK Whip VC Chandirakumar said that the people were disappointed by the hike in milk price, power tariff and bus fares but the Speaker wanted the remarks to be expunged. But, the CM requested the remarks to be on record.
CPI floor leader K Arumugam said the Mullivaikkal massacre in Sri Lanka would not have happened if Jayalalithaa was in power. CPM floor leader A Soundararajan had an indirect dig at DMK president M Karunanidhi for remaining satisfied with writing to the Centre on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue.
MMK leader MH Jawahirullah said Jayalalithaa had championed the rights of States while Congress MLA John Jacob said he was greeting the CM on behalf of AICC president Sonia Gandhi. CK Thamizharasan (RPI), Kathiravan (AIFB), K Krishnasamy (PT), Thaniyarasu (Kongu Ilaignar Peravai) and R Sarathkumar (AISMK) also praised her achievements. Speaker D Jayakumar hailed Jayalalithaa for her erudition.
Earlier, Jayalalithaa released a publication containing her speeches and CDs explaining the government’s achievements. She also released a Coffee Table Book on her political career.