Cadre rejoice over ‘return’ of Two Leaves

When Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and party treasurer arrived at the headquarters, thousands greeted them with bursting of crackers and slogans hailing former Chief Ministers MGR and J Jayalalithaa. The statue of party founder on the premises was drenched with several pots of milk as the cadre screamed in joy. Some of the party cadre had brought old newspapers containing the reports of their revered leader Jayalalithaa performing a similar feat 27 years ago. 

They were seen waiving the newspapers in a jubilant manner and showing the photographs of the grand celebrations 27 years ago. But, they also did not fail to compare the grand arrival of Jayalalithaa to the party headquarters after winning the ‘Two Leaves’ symbol and said the mood at present is not the same.

One of the cadre from Saidapet in the city said, “Though ‘Two Leaves’ symbol is essential, Amma’s magic is more powerful and magnetising. The symbol alone cannot bring back the party’s glory.” 

Palaniswami arrived at the headquarters with his supporters earlier, followed by Panneerselvam and his supporters later. Sweets were distributed to both the leaders by Food Minister K Kamaraj, while Fisheries minister D Jayakumar readied the joint statement of both the leaders. 

“This may be the right time for the cadre, who went over to TTV Dinakaran’s camp to return to the parent unit,” said former Vellore secretary M Moorthy reacting to EC’s verdict. 

Similarly, disqualified MLAs and Dinakaran’s supporters now wait for their leader’s next move. The mood in Jayalalithaa’s niece J Deepa’s camp is also pensive.