AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the fifth time today along with a 28-member Cabinet.
At the event attended by thousands of supporters, a galaxy of film stars and a smattering of industrialists, Governor K Rosaiah administered the oath of office to Jayalalithaa who returns after being acquitted of corruption charges earlier this month.
The ministers who were then sworn in two batches recited the oath in chorus, bringing the 25-minute ceremony to a close.
The event was held at the centenary auditorium of the University of Madras, where Jayalalithaa had been sworn in last in May 2011 at a grand ceremony attended by Narendra Modi, who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Also present were a host of industrialists, diplomats and political allies, including Vijayakanth of the DMDK; AIADMK has now broken ties with the party.
But last September she had to step down after a Special Court in Karnataka found her guilty of amassing wealth disproportionate to assets. She then appealed to the Bangalore High Court which acquitted her, enabling her to resume office.
As Jayalalithaa took slow, measured steps to the podium to take oath today, AIADMK supporters cheered loudly.
The 3,000-seat auditorium was packed to capacity. Among the guests were senior politicians from the BJP, including Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan, L Ganesan and H Raja.
Some of the industrialists present were K Mammen, CMD, MRF; N Srinivasan, Vice-Chairman and MD, India Cements; Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice-Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals; and AC Muthiah.
The entertainment industry was represented by superstar Rajinikanth, Music Director Illayaraja, and actors Prabhu, Arjun, Karthi, Vikram Prabhu and stars and singers of yesteryears such as P Susheela, MN Rajam, Sivakumar and Sachu.