Expressing confidence on winning a successive term in office, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa today told the state Assembly that her government had met all the expectations of people who wanted it to "continue" after the upcoming elections.
Even after her times, AIADMK, "the true people's movement", will continue serving the public, she said in an emotional speech on the floor of the House.
"Our efforts are for the people; so are all our schemes. We don't have any selfish (motives) but only (focus on) general welfare. AIADMK is the true people's movement; one that has dedicated itself for the people, with a leader (herself) who has dedicated (herself) for the people," she said.
Till her time, the party would only focus on serving people and strive for Tamils' welfare, she said.
"Even after my time, for many centuries, AIADMK will work only for people," she said amidst loud thumping of benches by ruling party members including her Ministers.
Winding up the debate on the motion to thank the Governor for his address to the Assembly, she said people had voted her party to power in 2011 in anticipation of a change.
Stating that she did not disappoint them, she cited the growth in various social indicators including health and education to buttress her point.
"In 2011, people were determined for a change. They effected the change (of voting out DMK) seeking better law and order, betterment of the deprived classes and welfare of all sections of life including farmers, weavers, fishermen, the oppressed and the poor," she said.
"We have met those expectations of the people and ushered in betterment in people's lives... That is why people want this government to continue," she said amidst loud thumping of the benches by her Ministers and MLAs.
Jayalalithaa, who has vowed to lead her party to a successive victory in the Assembly polls, due in a few months, pointed out at her oft-repeated statement that "I am for people, I am because of people," and said her government also acted on a similar principle.
Taking a dig the previous DMK government, she said that it was never bothered about public welfare but only that of theirs.
"In the name of people's welfare, they only ensured the welfare of their own family," she said.
Those retained include ministers in the outgoing Cabinet
such as Jayalalithaa's trusted lieutenant O Panneerselvam.
Others like CV Shanmugam, who had a stint during 2011-16 and were dropped later, have also found a place in the cabinet.
The new faces are Dindigul Srinivasan (Forest), V Saroja (Social Welfare), KC Karuppannan (Environment), OS Manian (Textiles and Handlooms), Udumalai Radhakrishnan (Housing), R Duraikannu (Agriculture and Animal Husbandry), Kadambur Raju (Information), Benjamin (School Education), Vellamandi N Natarajan (Toursim), S Valamathi (Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare), VM Rajalakshmi (Adi Dravidar Welfare), M Manigandan (Information Technology), and MR Vijayabaskar (Transport).
The entire route from Jayalalithaa's Poes garden residence to the swearing-in venue was filled with cheering AIADMK supporters who showered rose petals on her vehicle as it whizzed past.
Musicians, including drummers, were seen playing instruments welcoming the AIADMK supremo as many party workers danced.
Jayalalithaa left her residence at around 11.45 AM and arrived at the Madras University Centenary Building venue at 12 PM.
Her convoy wound its way through a sea of party supporters and general public who gave her a rousing welcome by gathering on both sides of the road.
Traditional music like nadaswaram and Chendaimelam rented the air and the entire stretch leading to the venue was decorated with festoons and party workers kept waving party flags.
The function culminated with the customary group photograph of the Governor with the Chief Minister and her new cabinet ministers.
Filmstars, including comedians, who campaigned for Jayalalithaa, were also seen among the audience.
AIADMK supporters in parts of the state distributed sweets and greeted each other on the occasion.
