Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi Palanisamy unveils former CM Jayalalithaa's residence as memorial

Chennai, Jan 27: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy on Wednesday unveiled former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's memorial at Marina Beach. Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam was also present at the event.

The E Palaniswami-led government in the State had taken possession of "Veda Nilayam" through a promulgated ordinance and after a 3-year legal battle with Jayalalitha's niece and nephew to convert the former CM's home into a memorial.

The 24,000 sq ft residence of Jayalalithaa was one place where not even the VVIPs could barge in without an invite. For years it was a heavily guarded, secure residence, where one had to go through 3 different check posts.

The State government's move was also considered as a step to curtail Sasikala's stronghold over Poes House's which was the ultimate power center when Jayalalitha was in power.

However, the AIADMK could not keep former Jayalalithaa's aide entirely away from Poes Garden as the property right next to Veda Nilayam was purchased and a grand residence is under construction for Sasikala to move in soon.