Jayalalithaa arrives at her swearing-in ceremony as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. (AFP Photo)
J Jayalalithaa, one of India's most powerful politicians, returned with a bang as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister on Saturday, eight months after she stepped down following her conviction in a corruption case.
As Ms Jayalalithaa made her way from her Poes Garden residence to the Madras University's Centenary auditorium for the swearing in ceremony, the welcome from her followers was rapturous all along her route. "Today only is freedom for us, like how the country got independence sixty years ago," said Mangalam, who celebrated the occasion distributing butter mil packets free of cost near Ms Jayalalithaa's residence.
However, the AIADMK chief was in no hurry to begin work from the secretariat. She's scheduled to begin work from there only on Sunday.
Although party cadres are excited, there could be a tough challenge ahead for the 67-year-old chief minister. Besides policy paralysis, the opposition says governance became a casualty under Panneerselvam, her loyalist-turned-stand-in chief minister.
Mr Panneerselvam, for instance, postponed the much-awaited global investors meet a few times, reportedly waiting for Ms Jayalalithaa. The much-awaited Chennai Metro rail has not rolled out either.
"The fall began much earlier than 2011.The state is far behind many states in development now," said DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan.
Ms Jayalalithaa, cadres say, has now emerged politically stronger. She is all set for the state elections which are slated to be held next year.
An AIADMK lawmaker has already resigned giving room for speculation that she would contest from the RK Nagar constituency in Chennai.
"She's been a Chief Minister all along. Next she would become the Prime Minister," said a woman Councilor from Pollachi.
Ms Jayalalithaa's legal troubles, however, are still not completely over. Citing miscalculations and flaws in the Karnataka High Court verdict, the public prosecutor and the advocate general have strongly recommended an appeal.
The state government is yet to decide. But right now, it seems, is time for Ms Jayalalithaa to savour the moment.