Last December, the city of Chennai came to a standstill when former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa passed away. A year on, the political void she left in Tamil Nadu, remains apparent.
- Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa passed away a year ago
- Her first death anniversary is being observed across Tamil Nadu
- Both OPS-EPS faction, and TTV Dhinakaran faction of AIADMK will march to her memorial
In Photos: When Crowds Gathered to Pay Their Respects
(Photo: Smitha/The Quint)
A supporter wearing the ‘Amma’ ring on his hand.
AIADMK Supporter Sings Praises of Jaya
An AIADMK supporter who had gathered at the memorial on Jayalalithaa’s first death anniversary sang praises of his ‘Amma’ by calling her the “light of Tamil Nadu”.
Another supporter said that there was no one parallel to her, when it came to welfare schemes.
Sidelined Leader TTV Dhinakaran Pays Tribute
Sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran also paid tributes to Jayalalithaa.
Flanked by his supporters, including disqualifed party MLAs like P Palaniappan, he took out a procession on a four-wheeler from arterial Anna Salai to Jayalalithaa's mausoleum in Marina Beach.
A sizeable number of supporters also walked along side him, even as he stood atop the vehicle that sported a photograph of Jayalalithaa which was decorated with flowers.
On culmination of the procession, Dhinakaran paid floral tributes at the late Chief Minister's burial site and placed a wreath, with his supporters beside him.
He stood there with folded hands for a couple of minutes, even as his supporters jostled for space as many of them tried to come near him.
EPS-OPS Pay Tribute at Amma's Memorial
EPS and OPS paid tributes to their 'Amma' at her mausoleum on Marina Beach.
Sidelined AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran also took out a procession with his supporters and paid floral tributes at Jayalalithaa's mausoleum.
Clad in black shirts, AIADMK coordinator Pannneerselvam and co-coordinator Palaniswami led a silent march of party functionaries, including ministers, MPs and MLAs.
EPS and OPS placed a wreath at the memorial, where Jayalalithaa was laid to rest in December 2016.
Chants by supporters hailing Jayalalithaa filled the air even as some functionaries were seen getting emotional.
In the oath read out by Panneerselvam and repeated by others, including Palaniswami, the AIADMK workers vowed to ensure that the 'golden rule' of 'Amma' continued by their hard work.