Amma returns in Tamil Nadu; creates history, proves everyone wrong

Updated: Thursday, May 19, 2016, 13:09 [IST]

Chennai, May 19: With the AIDMK heading towards a victory in Tamil Nadu, history is set to be created. Going by the numbers J Jayalalithaa is set to return as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for a second term.

Celebrations have been becoming stronger in Tamil Nadu as the results continue to trickle in and show that the AIDMK is in a healthy lead over rival DMK.

Jayalalithaa not only breaks the curse of anti incumbency but also becomes the first chief minister since 1984 to be elected two consecutive times. Amma as she is fondly referred to as broke the jinx and proved almost all pollsters wrong who had given a clear victory to the DMK.

There were a host of issues that had been raised during the campaign phase. Many including DMK leader also made references to her health and said that this could be a stumbling block for the AIDMK.

Amma returns

The AIDMK did not react much to the exit polls which clearly stated that the DMK would return to power. They decided to wait for the results but also said if one went by the polling pattern it was clear that they had the edge.

The AIDMK always maintained that if the women had voted in more numbers and the polling percentage in the rural sector was higher, then there were in with a chance as this is their vote bank.

Experts also pointed out that there are various other factors that could have brought Jayalalithaa back to power. Many say that despite being seen very less in public in the recent months, the local administration continued to be good.

Although she faced a lot of criticism for the handling of the Chennai floods, there was a lot that the government did after that to cover up the damage. The relief work was good and this helped erase the negative publicity that she got.

With regard to the disproportionate assets case being fought in the Supreme Court, it had no impact at all. None in the opposition too made a hue and cry about it. This is primarily because commenting on a pending case amounts to sub-judice.

The other factor is that Jayalalithaa stands acquitted at the moment in that case and it is an appeal by Karnataka that is being heard.