Chennai: The four-year jail term and the hefty fine of Rs 100 crore is winning big sympathy and support for AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa across Tamil Nadu. Most people responded with anguish and anger when Deccan Chronicle approached them for views on the Bengaluru court verdict of Saturday.
Many wondered if the same yardstick would be applied to the politicos facing charges that are more grave and involved larger loot. They said the former CM was given a raw deal.
My father is a DMK loyalist. But I feel that Jayalalithaa has endeared herself to the people because of her many pro-people schemes. She helped the students by providing free laptops and bicycles. This conviction is certain to make people angry.
— Vetri Rajkumar; Engineering student, Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli district
I hail the verdict. Though many raised concerns over the delay in the trial, the judgement will teach a lesson to all the corrupt politicians.
— V Victor; Former convenor of Anti Corruption Wing, Coimbatore Bar Association (CBA)
“It is nice to know that the court and the judge were bold and honest enough to punish a CM. This will definitely instill fear in others involved in various scams. On the other hand, I personally feel she was one of the good chief ministers that Tamil Nadu had in recent times.”
— Sri Lakshmi Indresan; Content manager, Chennai
“It's witch-hunt, no doubt. People will be angry with this. They needed 18 years to find her guilty and hand out such harsh punishment. What about corruption of others? What about the 2G corruption of Rs 1.76 lakh crore? When will they get punished?”
— T. Malathi; Sri Venkateswara Dental College and Hospital, Chennai
I am not a Jaya supporter but I feel sad at this punishment. There is no other leader who can administer our state like she does. She is a lonely woman, made a scapegoat for the greed of some people who used her name and did all the misdeeds. Also, what about the people involved in mega scams?
— M Sasikala; Schoolteacher, Tirunelveli
“Jayalalithaa deserved this but then, what about the others, like the 2G accused? If they are not punished in similar way, this verdict would be deemed an act of vendetta.”
— Srinivasan Natarajan; Chennai-based SAP consultant
Jayalalithaa has been convicted but what about all the other politicians who indulged in corruption and have managed to cleverly dodge law? As an individual, I admire Jayalalithaa and take inspiration from her. I strongly believe she will bounce back because of her never-say-die attitude. This kind of situation is not new to her. Even if she is disqualified from contesting elections, she will still keep the party under her control and guide the new CM to ensure continuance of people-friendly schemes like Amma canteen. None but her can steer the AIADMK.
— Geetha Muruganandam; Physiotherapist, Madurai
“This verdict is a morale booster for the Indian judicial system and an alarm call for our representatives. But will the other corruption cases also get same treatment? I feel this development is a bit unfortunate considering that she gave brilliant administration, strong law and order, schemes that helped the poor and she fought for the state’s rights.”
— Sai Harish; Medical research scholar, Chennai
The verdict has proved yet again that those who commit a mistake cannot escape from the long arm of law. However, on a personal note, the jailing of Jayalalithaa has evoked a sense of sympathy in me. The court could have shown some leniency considering her age. The fine amount imposed on her is also too high.
— R Jayaseelan; Research scholar, Coimbatore
“I feel she must be punished but then 100 crores fine and 4 years jail is really harsh. Also, why did the court choose to deliver the verdict on Saturday?”
— Abhishek Vasanth; Software engineer, IBM, Chennai
It is a good judgment. But then, Jayalalithaa is paying for it at a wrong time, when she has started delivering goods. Her jail sentence is likely to hurt Tamil Nadu even if she is going to steer the party and government from behind. Other states may snatch away the investments coming to us. When she came to power this time, she initially threw freebies but later focused on overall growth. Allocation of funds for southern corridor and announcement of a satellite city in Madurai are good examples.
— Jeyabalan; IT entrepreneur, Madurai
Personally, I feel the judgment was unfair and the punishment too harsh. However, any protest against the judgment should be peaceful without hurting the public. — R J Santhosh Kumar; NSS Program officer, Sri Nehru Vidalaya Matriculation School, Coimbatore
Verdict has come at a time when the state was progressing well under her leadership, with numerous public funded programs and welfare measures. It is totally unfair. - Dr C Pichandy; Head of the department, Department of Communication and Journalism, PSG CAS, Coimbatore
