Legislators from the DMK, the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League boycott the event citing her conviction, but govt. defends decision.
Amid opposition from political parties and anti-corruption activists, the portrait of the late AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was unveiled in the Assembly by Speaker P. Dhanapal on Monday.
The portrait, measuring 7 ft x 5 ft and hung behind the treasury benches facing the east, shows the former CM standing with folded arms in a green saree.
‘Amaidhi, Valam, Valarchi (Peace, Prosperity, Progress)’ - her motto for the 2016 Assembly elections - was painted below her portrait.
Legislators from the DMK, the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League boycotted the event, which was held in the Assembly Hall.
Lauding the former CM, Mr. Dhanapal said that though she was the Chief Minister, she performed all her duties as a member of the House. “The way she carried herself in the Assembly serves as an example for us all,” he said. Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami listed several welfare schemes that were initiated by Jayalalithaa and lauded her efforts. “Despite all the adversities she faced, Jayalalithaa rose from the ashes like a phoenix,” Mr. Palaniswami said, adding that her governance led the State on the path of ‘Peace, Prosperity and Progress’ - her motto.
Speeches played
A selection of speeches that Jayalalithaa gave in the House during her tenure as the CM was played to mark the occasion.
Deputy Assembly Speaker Pollachi V. Jayaraman and Chief Government Whip S. Rajendran spoke during the occasion. Assembly Secretary K. Boopathy presented shawls to dignitaries.
The vacant Opposition benches were occupied by ruling party legislators and guests. Advocate General Vijay Narayan, MPs and MLAs from the ruling party and senior AIADMK functionaries including former Speaker P.H. Pandian, former Ministers and MLAs and party spokespersons were present in the House, which was adorned with flowers.
The portrait, measuring 7 ft x 5 ft and hung behind the treasury benches facing the east, shows the former CM standing with folded arms in a green saree.
‘Amaidhi, Valam, Valarchi (Peace, Prosperity, Progress)’ - her motto for the 2016 Assembly elections - was painted below her portrait.
Legislators from the DMK, the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League boycotted the event, which was held in the Assembly Hall.
Lauding the former CM, Mr. Dhanapal said that though she was the Chief Minister, she performed all her duties as a member of the House. “The way she carried herself in the Assembly serves as an example for us all,” he said. Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami listed several welfare schemes that were initiated by Jayalalithaa and lauded her efforts. “Despite all the adversities she faced, Jayalalithaa rose from the ashes like a phoenix,” Mr. Palaniswami said, adding that her governance led the State on the path of ‘Peace, Prosperity and Progress’ - her motto.
Speeches played
A selection of speeches that Jayalalithaa gave in the House during her tenure as the CM was played to mark the occasion.
Deputy Assembly Speaker Pollachi V. Jayaraman and Chief Government Whip S. Rajendran spoke during the occasion. Assembly Secretary K. Boopathy presented shawls to dignitaries.
The vacant Opposition benches were occupied by ruling party legislators and guests. Advocate General Vijay Narayan, MPs and MLAs from the ruling party and senior AIADMK functionaries including former Speaker P.H. Pandian, former Ministers and MLAs and party spokespersons were present in the House, which was adorned with flowers.