It was media's day out at Poes Garden!

Chennai, June 18 (UNI) In a departure from normal practise, the gates of AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa's Poes Garden residence were today thrown open to the media who turned up in large numbers to report on the proceedings of the United National Progressive Alliance's meeting here.

A large number of mediapersons from both of print and electronic media were seen spread out in the verandah in front of the house waiting for the official briefing after the meeting. They were also treated to a sumptuous lunch after the meeting began.

Newspersons were not normally freely allowed into the precincts of the residence due to security reasons. There have been a very few occasions when a press conference was held in a room in the former CM's residence or even in the verandah.

However, a few reporters were put to some hardship as the press briefing was in a small front room and many photographers could not get in. When the two entrances to the room were finally opened for the press meet, confusion prevailed as only the television channels and reporters were let in.

A few photographers and reporters were not allowed to go in, citing space constraints.

As she entered the room along with the leaders of the new Front, Ms Jayalalithaa greeted them asking ''have you all eaten?'' Later, she posed again for another round of photographs for the lensmen and television channels along with the leaders of the Front and signed off asking ''are you satisfied?'' UNI VV-GV AJ VD KN1731