Chennai: “This is our happiest moment and cannot be measured and Amma is back to take care of us and the state,” said minister for handlooms S. Gokula Indira.
Earlier in the day, AIADMK workers welcomed the party’s founding day with presidium chairman E. Madhusudhanan hoisting of the party flag and garlanding the statue of MGR.
Party treasurer and Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and state ministers, who have not recently shaved, also offered floral tributes to the party founder.
“It was a late start of celebrations for us, as twice we were struck by controversial reports and today it is a double-delight for us and we are eagerly waiting for Amma’s return,” said AIADMK functionary Poonga Nagar Selvam.
Arrangements to receive Ms Jayalalithaa from Bengaluru gained momentum on Friday night right from the airport complex. Posters and banners screaming Ms Jayalaithaa as the permanent leader of Tamils mushroomed near Poes Garden and Royapettah.
“Transit passes have been provided to Ms Jayalalithaa, considering her security threat and Z-plus security cover being extended to her. Security has been beefed up near gate 6 and at the runway and all measures are in place to reduce congestion,” said a senior airport official.
