Photographs: Sreeram Selvaraj/Rediff.com
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief J Jayalalithaa made a spectacular comeback in Tamil Nadu on Friday with her victory is the 2011 assembly elections, crushing the corruption-hit DMK.
The AIADMK-led alliance was on the victory lap in 196 of the state's 234 constituencies and stunned DMK and its allies were set to get only 36 seats. Jayalalithaa and her supporters had every reason to celebrate.
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Complete Coverage: Assembly Elections 2011
The AIADMK-led alliance was on the victory lap in 196 of the state's 234 constituencies and stunned DMK and its allies were set to get only 36 seats. Jayalalithaa and her supporters had every reason to celebrate.
...
Complete Coverage: Assembly Elections 2011
In PHOTOS: Chennai cheers for Jaya; DMK sulks
Photographs: Sreeram Selvaraj/Rediff.com
Hundreds and thousands of overjoyed AIADMK supporters, including a large number of women, gathered outside Jayalalithaa's Chennai residence in Poes Garden. They shouted full-throated slogans hailing the actor-turned-politician.
In PHOTOS: Chennai cheers for Jaya; DMK sulks
Photographs: Sreeram Selvaraj/Rediff.com
Hundreds of bouquets being waved in the air declared Jayalalithaa's victory. The point was underscored with a massive string of fireworks. There was plenty of drumbeating. Many kilos of sweets were distributed -- and consumed.
In PHOTOS: Chennai cheers for Jaya; DMK sulks
Photographs: Sreeram Selvaraj/Rediff.com
As news of her victory spread, thousands of police officers rushed to her residence. Jayalalithaa will return for a third term as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister with a thumping majority. Party sources say she will be sworn in on Sunday.
In PHOTOS: Chennai cheers for Jaya; DMK sulks
Photographs: Sreeram Selvaraj/Rediff.com
Meanwhile, the DMK office wore a deserted look after Friday's defeat. In wake of the 2G scam, the DMK unleashed freebies to the electorate and reportedly pumped in vast sums of money. But nothing worked.
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