Queen-Size Birthday Celebrations For Jayalalithaa. But Where Is She, Asks DMK

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, 68 today, is unlikely to make a public appearance, say sources. But her AIADMK is on an overdrive to ensure queen-sized celebrations to wish the leader a happy birthday.

With only 24 hours to the day, that will mean many simultaneous celebrations across the state. There is a special pooja planned in 122 temples, where many priests will offer prayers for the long life of Ms Jayalalithaa, affectionately called "Amma" or mother by her followers, and also for her return as chief minister as assembly elections to be held in the state soon.

Chennai Mayor Saidai Sa. Duraisamy is paying for free food at the city's Amma canteens, the low-cost eateries that are a pet project of the chief minister. And the city's corporation has pledged to deposit Rs 10,000 for each girl child born today in the hospitals it runs.

In a double bonanza for new-borns, AIADMK lawmaker D. Jayakumar has announced that he will gift gold rings to babies in north Chennai to celebrate Amma's birthday. Another lawmaker MV Karuppiah, reportedly floated on water to wish his leader a long life. 

AIADMK workers cutting a huge cake to celebrate the birthday of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa

This morning around 10 am, party workers and leaders cut a 68-kg cake at the AIADMK office in Chennai. There is also a plan to plant 68 lakh trees in the state today, a lakh for each year of the Chief Minister.

Also featuring prominently in Tamil Nadu on Ms Jayalalithaa's special day are attacks on her by rival parties. The DMK has run full-page ads in newspapers and television declaring the reclusive chief minister MIA or missing in action.
 

DMK ads say, "You have seen Jayalalithaa in stickers and on TV, have you seen her in person?"

Responding to the Opposition's criticism, AIADMK supporters released a meme on social media saying, "Karunanidhi has been spotted with actors on TV shows, but have you seen DMK chief in the assembly."

The PMK's meme on social media targeted both the AIADMK and DMK, saying "You have seen DMK and AIADMK rule, have you seen PMK's?"

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted the AIADMK chief on phone. He tweeted:
 

Birthday wishes to Jayalalithaa ji. May Almighty bless her with a long life, filled with good health.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 24, 2016