Prominent faces add glitter to show at Centenary Auditorium

Industrialists, including Tractors and Farm Equipment Manufacturer Chairperson, Mallika Srinivasan, Apollo Hospitals Managing Director Preetha Reddy, NAC Jeweller’s Chairman and All India Gem and Jewellery Trade Federation Zonal chairman N Anantha Padmanabhann, were among those seen in attendance. 

Members of the film fraternity including South Indian Artiste’s Association President Nasser, Association’s General Secretary Vishal, actors Ananda Raj, Prabhu, ‘Gundu’ Kalyanam, Senthil and Vaiyapuri were also present. 

Actor-politician and All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi President R Sarathkumar, who lost in the polls contesting from Tiruchendur, was seen sitting in the front row. 

About 1,500 police personnel, who were deployed for security, had a tough time controlling the crowd who had lined up en route to the Madras University Centenary Auditorium, venue of the swearing-in. Major arterial roads were decked up with AIADMK party flags and banners of Jayalalithaa. Party cadre from neighbouring districts arrived as early as 6 am to witness their leader’s swearing-in ceremony.

LCD screens were installed at vantage points at the Marina beach to help cadre and the public witness the event. Meanwhile, it was celebration time for AIADMK workers at the party office here and in various parts of the state as Jayalalithaa was swornin as Chief Minister. Cadre burst crackers and distributed sweets on the occasion.