File photo: O Panneerselvam with AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa. (Press Trust of India)
The man filling in for J Jayalalithaa as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has urged her supporters to stay peaceful as they cope with the news that she has been denied bail and will remain in a Bangalore prison for now. "Keeping calm is the only way to express love for Jayalalithaa," said O Panneerselvam. (
Jayalalithaa Will Stay in Jail For Now, Bail Plea Rejected)
Ms Jayalalithaa, 66, was imprisoned late last month after being found guilty of corruption. Her request for bail was turned down today by the High Court in Karnataka, where the case was transferred in 2001 upon the orders of the Supreme Court to ensure the trial would not be influenced by her stature in Tamil Nadu. (
Why Karnataka High Court Judge Rejected Jayalalithaa's Bail Plea)
This afternoon, there were scenes of rapturous celebration at Ms Jayalalithaa's Chennai residence as television channels reported that the prosecution had said it had no objections to conditional bail for the leader referred to as "Amma" or "mother" by her party, the AIADMK. The cheers dissolved into tears and hysteria soon after when the court's verdict was delivered.
Ms Jayalalithaa's arrest last month triggered huge street protests by AIADMK workers; many of them targeted the offices and homes of top leaders of political rival DMK, which pursued the case against her over the last 18 years. Buses were set on fire when she was arrested, triggering a review of the law and order arrangements across the state by the Governor and other top officials. (
At Jayalalithaa's Residence, Celebrations Give Way to Tears)
Her conviction forced an abrupt end to her third term as Chief Minister - the Supreme Court ruled last year that any law-maker found guilty of serious criminal charges stands immediately disqualified from office. Her conviction is based on the wealth she allegedly accumulated during her first stint as chief minister from 1991 to 1996.
"Do not indulge in strikes and shutting down places," said Mr Panneerselvam, the new Chief Minister, who wept during his swearing-in ceremony.
Among those who have gone on strikes recently to express their loyalty to Ms Jayalalithaa are traders, bus operators and the state's film industry.