Unending queue of mourners on the Marina

There was a serpentine queue starting from the entrance of the memorial. People patiently waited for their turn and many of them broke into tears as they neared the spot where she was buried. Some supporters, including party cadre tonsured their heads as a mark of respect. The entire scene was reminiscent of a pilgrimage. “Never has Marina Beach witnessed such a crowd. The crowd poured in on Tuesday night and people in large numbers paid a visit even on Wednesday,” says S Vasuki, a vendor, who was selling Amma stickers. Many supporters haven’t left the beach since she was buried. “I came here on Tuesday and spent the night near the beach. I came from Tiruchy and I wanted to stay close to Amma as long as I am in the city,” says G Kumaran, a businessman. Since schools were closed for three days, many families came to pay homage to Jayalalithaa. “I took the earliest bus from Thiruvottiyur to reach the Marina. I came with my family to ensure that they witness one of the landmark events in the history of Tamil Nadu politics,” says R Renuka, a homemaker.  Mourning the CM’s death as one of their own family members, many even shaved their heads to show their love for Amma. “She was our mother and it is only right to sacrifice my hair as it is part of the Indian custom,” said Suresh J.

Thousands of supporters visited Veda Nilayam, the Poes Garden home of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Wednesday. Many of them complained that there was no photo of her in front of the premises where they could pray.  “We have come from Tirunelveli to visit Amma’s house. They only allowed us till the gate and asked us to leave immediately. We wanted to do a puja there but there was no photograph of her on the premises,” said M Alagappasamy.  Amidst heavy security, VIPs and other party members visited the landmark that was heavily guarded. “We want to get a glimpse of Amma’s life. Her lifestyle and the house in which she lived. There were reports that they will convert her Poes Garden residence into a memorial and I hope that is true,” says Anjana, a supporter of Amma.

A total of 77 persons have lost their lives unable to overcome their sorrow over the demise of late CM Jayalalithaa. The party has announced a solatium of Rs 3 lakh each to the family members of the deceased persons. The AIADMK has also announced Rs. 50,000 to K Ganesan from Cuddalore who had attempted to immolate himself and another Rs. 50,000 to Makali from Tiruppur who chopped off one of his fingers upon hearing the news of Amma’s death.   

The demise of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has upset the Delhi Tamil Sangam’s plans of getting her to inaugurate an arch on their office premises here. “Amma had assured us that she would inaugurate the arch during her next visit,” said N Kannan, general secretary of DTS.