Selfie clicks, emotional scenes at Jayalalithaa's memorial

The general public and cadre started arriving at the memorial from the morning and the activity continued throughout the day.  Despite the sweltering heat, there was a steady stream of visitors paying respects to ‘Amma’. While clicking selfie turned out to be a common activity by most visitors, a few also broke down on seeing the memorial. 

“I have been here since 9 am. I came with my family. My husband has taken leave in his office to accompany me to the memorial. We will stay here till dusk under the shadows of Amma and then go home,” said S Susheela, a housewife from Ambattur, who reached the venue early in the morning. She came with a bag full of flowers. 

Susheela gave a portion of it at the MGR’s memorial and the rest she had kept for Jayalalithaa. People who came to the memorial offered flowers and requested the security on duty to give some flowers back from the memorial like they used to do in a temple. Party cadre ensured supply of food and water at the memorial, while hawkers sold Jayalalithaa and MGR posters and stickers. 

However, the images of VK Sasikala and new Chief Minister Edapadi K Palanisamy were nowhere to be seen near the memorial. When asked about it, S Kannan, a poster-seller on Walajah Road, says, “Only during special occasions I come here to earn some extra money. Today, it is the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister. That is why I am selling Jayalalithaa’s photos alone and the business is brisk.” 

By late afternoon, the scene around the memorial was festive with many lounging around the make-shift structure having snacks provided by the party men. Many people in the crowd hoped to see some well-known personalities and actors. 

“This place has become the epicentre of many recent events. Considering that it is the first birth anniversary of Amma, I am hoping to see some well-known politicians and actors who may come to pay their respects,” wished Jagan S, a college student. The police also ensured that proper crowd management mechanism was in place. “We are prepared for it. As the day progressed, the crowd started swelling,” said a police official on duty at the memorial.