JAYALALITHAA SETS 32 YEAR
RECORD IN TAMIL NADU
For the first time in 32
years, Tamil Nadu has chosen to give a consecutive term to one party - Chief
Minister J Jayalalithaa will remain exactly where she is.There were "no
words in the dictionary," Ms Jayalalithaa said to describe her gratitude
to the people of the state. "I have no other interest in life except to
work for the people of Tamil Nadu," the reclusive Chief Minister
added.Celebrations were raucous outside her home in Chennai today with
supporters declaring victory by 9.30 am.
Most exit polls had
predicted that the 67-year-old's arch rival, M Karunanidhi, and his DMK would
return to power in a continuum of the "yo-yo trend" of which Tamil
Nadu has been a long-time subscriber.But as counting of votes accelerated, the
leaders who were seen walking into Mr Karunanidhi's home refused to comment on
camera, indicating an acceptance of defeat.Mr Karunanidhi is 93, and in a
wheelchair, but had committed to serving as Chief Minister if the DMK was
elected, an announcement which caused considerable heartache for his son,MK
Stalin and his considerable supporters.Ahead of the election, Jayalalithaa
promised to gift voters cellphones and other freebies - her last election
campaign five years ago pledged mixer-grinders to housewives. Her Amma
canteens, which provide highly subsidized food, have been a runaway
success.Last year, she was acquitted of corruption charges by a court in
Bengaluru, but the Karnataka government has challenged that verdict in the
Supreme Court.Counting took place today in 232 of 234 constituencies in Tamil
Nadu after polling was postponed in two constituencies - Aravakurichi and
Thanjavur - due to reports of distribution of large amounts of money to buy
votes.
Prof. John Kurakar
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