Cadres extend moral support as "Amma" observes fast

Chennai, Mar 18 (UNI) Thousands of AIADMK cadres went into raptures as their party General Secretary J Jayalalithaa today came out to to observe a day-long fast on the contentious Cauvery issue.

Braving the searing summer heat, the cadres who came from every nook and corner of the state, gathered at Valluvar Kottam here, the venue of the agitation.

The euphoric cadres raised slogans ''Long live Amma, Long live Puratchi Thalaivi (revolutionary leader),'' as Ms Jayalalithaa's convoy wended its way to the dais, amidst a sea of humanity.

People, including women and children, jostled with one another to get a glimpse of their leader, who rarely makes a public appearance.

The AIADMK supremo, draped in a dark brown saree, looked cheerful and waved at the crowd, acknowledging their greetings. She stood up and accepted shawls and bouquets presented by leaders of allied parties.

Remaining resolute, she neither left her chair nor sipped even water.

A large dais was put up for the occasion and senior party leaders, including the new Presidium Chairman E Madhusudhanan and Election wing secretary O Panneerselvam, were seated along with Ms Jayalalithaa.

The entire area wore a festive look with party flags and festoons fluttering.

Huge hoardings, including those showing pictures of a visibly tired Ms Jayalalithaa lying on a bed during her four-day-long fast on the Cauvery issue in 1993, provided a perfect backdrop for the event. Slogans hailing her as 'Mother Cauvery' were also seen.

Meanwhile, police diverted traffic and made elaborate security arrangements at the venue to prevent any untoward incident.

UNI