Elite turnout expected at Jayalalithaa’s swearing-in

The swearing-in ceremony of Jayalalithaa as the Chief Minister for the sixth time is expected to witness the participation of top politicians including Chief Ministers of states and central ministers. Invitations have also been sent to dignitaries including MPs as per protocol. 

Ahead of the ceremony, the AIADMK leader is expected to pay tributes to the statues of party ideologue CN Annadurai and party founder MG Ramachandran. With the AIADMK supremo announcing a slew of promises such as prohibition in a phased manner, 50 per cent subsidy on mopeds for women and the popular ‘Thalikku Thangam’ scheme (from 4 gm to 8 gm gold for mangalsutra), people are eager to hear the announcements during the ceremony. 

Interestingly, the historic University of Madras Centenary auditorium, where the swearing-in ceremony will be held, is the most preferred venue for Jayalalithaa. It may be noted that this was the same venue where she took over as CM for the first time in 1991. 

“In view of movement of VVIPs, the entire stretch will be cordoned off before the swearing-in ceremony and alternative traffic arrangements are being made to prevent inconvenience to motorists and passers-by,” a police official said.

The auditorium has a seating capacity of 3,200. Elaborate arrangements have been made to livestream the ceremony in various parts of the state, except in Thanjavur and Karur districts, using the LED vans operated by the government public relations department. 

Meanwhile, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu will represent the Centre at the ceremony. Jayalalithaa had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the function after her win in the elections. Currently, the PM is on a visit to Iran and Naidu has been asked to represent the central government, sources said.