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  Cadres paint city green, but no banners

Cadres paint city green, but no banners

AGE CORRESPONDENT
Published : May 24, 2016, 3:11 am IST
Updated : May 24, 2016, 3:11 am IST

Ecstatic cadres of the ruling party lined up city roads starting from Poes Garden residence of chief minister J. Jayalalithaa to the Secretariat on Monday amidst shouts of “Puratachi thalaivi Amma”.

Ecstatic cadres of the ruling party lined up city roads starting from Poes Garden residence of chief minister J. Jayalalithaa to the Secretariat on Monday amidst shouts of “Puratachi thalaivi Amma”.

The city witnessed an unusual crowd of AIADMK cadres as Ms Jayalalithaa was being sworn in. Volunteers thronged central Chennai in particular to catch a glimpse of their leader.

In a welcome and healthy departure from the past, there were no big banners and cutouts on the route Ms Jayalalithaa took from her Poes Garden bungalow to the University Centenary auditorium. Also, ministers did not prostrate before her during the swearing-in ceremony and only bowed in respect.

The secretariat that was saw a lull for the past two months, swung back into action with chief minister and ministers occupying their offices. Marina Beach, Madras Medical College, Secretariat campus, Island grounds and interior roads at Chepauk and Triplicane were choked with parked vehicles. There were traffic snarls on arterial roads leading to the VVIP route to the function venue, Madras University, till evening.

“Due to heavy VVIP movement, including Central ministers who are participating in the event, the route became a sensitive one. As sections of Kamarajar Salai were closed since morning, peak hour traffic added to snarls,” police sources said.

Sources said the chief minister had specifically given instructions to them in this regard. Bursting of crackers along the VVIP convoy route was conspicuous by its absence.

“It s a welcome move by the ruling party and I thank the chief minister. The AIADMK should continue the ban of banners and posters which at times are a threat to motorists. The party leader has set an example for others to follow,” said M.B. Nirmal, founder, Exnora International.