Chief Minister, leaders, shower encomium on Jayalalithaa

Moving the condolence resolution in which floor leaders of various parties, including Leader of the Opposition and DMK working president M K Stalin, spoke. Chief Minister O Panneerselvam in his address termed December 5 as a “Dark Day in the annals of the State,” even as several members of the Treasury Benches were moved to tears.   

The Chief Minister said Jayalalithaa was the embodiment of the good qualities in Thanthai Periyar, CN Annadurai and MGR. He recalled her path to glory in politics. Praising her gift of eloquence, planning, people-based approach and tireless service, Paneerselvam said such qualities endeared Jayalalithaa to the people. He said that she strived through various welfare measures to enrich people’s lives.  

The Amma brand which included canteens, pharma outlets, drinking water, seeds, cement ensured that people received benefits at nominal costs, he added. He listed her achievements that include raising of the Periyar dam level to 142 feet, new Veeranam scheme, free rice and free education, 100unit free power for all and distribution of freebies like fans, mixers, grinders, medical insurance and free milch animals. 

The Chief Minister also recalled that Jayalalithaa, after uniting the party led it to a resounding victory in the 1991 Assembly election and became the Chief Minister for the first time, before spearheading the party to victory in the 2001, 2011 and 2016. 

Opposition leader MK Stalin who spoke, said her death was an untimely loss for the state and the ruling party. He recalled the many times they had sparred in the Assembly.   Stalin said there were several achievements of Jayalalithaa, “But what stood out was her ability to face anything boldly and had the qualities of a great thinker. It is true,” he added. 

Congress leader KA Ramasamy and others spoke. The Assembly also condoled the deaths of former MLAs K Paramalai, P Balusamy, Ko Si Mani, AC Narasimhan, R Navaneethakrishna Pandian, K Kanniah, Carnatic musician M Balamurali Krishna, Tughlaq editor Cho Ramasamy, former TN governor Surjit Singh Barnala and Cuban leader Fidel Castro.