Jayalalithaa Returns As Tamil Nadu CM, Ilayaraja, Rajinikanth Attend Swearing In

CHENNAI: AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa returned as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the fifth time, eight months after she was forced to quit over corruption charges.

At a glittering ceremony, the 67-year-old leader was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor K Rosaiah with the party faithful raising slogans in her favour.

Twenty eight ministers were also sworn in.

Her return to power comes as a shot in the arm for the AIADMK ahead of Assembly elections next year.

Shouts of 'Puratchi Thalaivi Vazhga' (Long live the revolutionary leader) echoed across the Madras University centenary auditorium as Jayalalithaa took the oath in the name of God in Tamil.

Attired in an embroidered green saree, Jayalalithaa entered the hall in the midst of frenzied slogan shouting by supporters who had converged early in the morning to catch a glimpse of their 'Amma'.

Jayalalithaa was disqualified following her conviction in the Rs 66.66 crore disproportionate assets case by a trial court in Bengaluru on 27 September. The Karnataka High Court had subsequently acquitted her of the charges on 11 May.

The ceremony was witnessed by a galaxy of dignitaries including superstar Rajinikanth, actor Sarathkumar, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan and AIADMK leader and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai.

Jayalalithaa retained almost the entire previous cabinet.
Read Also:
PM Condoles The Demise Of Mathematician John Nash
Mumbai Erupts In Joy After Team Wins IPL 2015 Crown