Chennai: AIADMK leader J. Jayalalithaa was sworn in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister for the fifth time on Saturday. At a glittering ceremony which lasted for less than half an hour, the 67-year-old leader was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor K. Rosaiah with party workers raising slogans in her favour.Twenty-eight ministers divided into two batches took oath, which could be a new welcome record in the swearing-in history of Tamil Nadu politics.
The mood was electric when the Chief Minister said ‘I, J. Jayalalithaa’ while taking oath in the name of God in Tamil and later when she signed papers with cadres screaming in high pitch hailing their party supremo as Puratchi Thalaivi (revolutionary leader). Actor Rajinikanth and other cinema stars spiced up the occasion with their gracious smile while state BJP leaders including Union minister Pon Radhakrishan, H. Raja and L. Ganesan attended the function hinting at the saffron party’s affinity towards the ruling AIADMK, particularly at a time when the state is inching towards the Assembly polls next year.
The ceremony was witnessed by a galaxy of dignitaries including industrialists A. C. Muthiah, N. Srinivasan, Karumuttu Kannan, K. M. Mammen, Preetha Reddy, T.Venkatram Reddy and oncologist Dr V. Shanta. Justices S. Manikumar, V. M. Velumani and S. Vimala of the Madras high court and former judges N. Dinakar, R. Reghupathy and T. Sudandiram also attended. The auditorium was jam-packed with 4,800 special invitees from different walks of life.
Secretariat readies to welcome CM
Ms J. Jayalalithaa is likely to assume office at the Chief Minister’s chamber in the secretariat on Sunday between 3 and 4 pm. Chief secretary K.Gnanadesikan will receive CM Jayalalithaa and the secretariat is to witness an active Sunday, official sources said.
