AIADMK MLAs likely to decide today their new leader in place of J Jayalalithaa

Sep 28,  8:11 AM The Centre has asked the Tamil Nadu government to ensure effective measures for maintaining peace, law and order after reports of violence in some parts of the state following conviction and imprisonment of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. The Home Ministry has sent an advisory to the state government asking for stepping up security arrangements to ensure that no more untoward incidents occur in the state. Incidents of violence, stone pelting, assault on media persons and damage to vehicles by the AIADMK supremo's supporters were reported from Chennai, other towns of the state. Tamil Nadu Governor Dr.K.Rosaiah held a meeting with the Chief Secretary and other secretaries and police officials and has ordered them to uphold the law and order situation in the State. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a high level meeting of the Home Department and police officials in Bangalore, after the Special court sentenced J Jayalalithaa. Mr Siddaramaiah said after the meeting that the state government would ensure proper security in Bangalore and surrounding areas bordering Tamil Nadu to maintain peace. Jayalalitha was convicted and sentenced to four years imprisonment and fine of 100 crore rupees in the 66 crore disproportionate asset case in Bangalore yesterday. Special judge John Michale Cunha pronounced the sentence and the hefty fine on charges levelled against her by DMK General Secretary K. Anbazhagan in 1996. Special Public Prosecutor G Bhavani Singh informed that Jayalalithaa and the three convicted persons were taken into judicial custody after the verdict and sent to a state-run hospital in the city for medical check-up. The fine will be recovered by attaching jewellery and other articles seized and kept in the court's custody. Jayalalitha has to move bail application in the High Court where she can also appeal to quash the special court order. Justice Michael Cunha yesterday directed the Court Registry to communicate the verdict to the Tamil Nadu Governor and the Assembly Speaker. Ms.Jayalalithaa's position as a Member of the Legislative Assembly becomes invalid even as she stands convicted for four years. She also cannot contest the elections for the period of another ten years. The AIADMK is sure to appeal to the Bangalore High Court against the judgement. But the Court is on Dussehra holidays and is scheduled to re open on 5th of October. Presently it is not sure as to when is the exact date of appeal. The AIADMK party sources say that a meeting of the Members of the legislative members might take place today to decide on who will become the next Chief Minister. Tamil Nadu Governor Dr.K.Rosaiah has been briefed about the developments by the Chief Secretary and other top officials. Even as questions are being raised on the successor of Ms.Jayalalithaa the party cadres who were on a rampage esterday seem to have calmed down. But still buses have not been plying in many areas of the State. The political rivals of the ruling party have opened up a debate on the future of the State according to the conviction. As the State is to witness an election in 2016, parties are vying for a political space to gain ground in the State. The party cadres are desperate to know the next development inside the party. Senior leaders of the AIADMK Party senior ministers,members of parliament are yet to reach Chennai to figure out the successor. Ms.Jayalalithaa is said to have discussed on all the issues concerning the party and her successor with the former Chief Minister and present finance Minister O.Panneerselvam.