Jaya, Stalin, Karuna sworn in as MLAs

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, DMK chief M Karunanidhi and M K Stalin were today sworn in as MLAs in the 15th Tamil Nadu Assembly, which met for its first session under pro-tem Speaker S Semmalai.
Jayalalithaa, representing R K Nagar constituency, was the first to be sworn in after the House met and Semmalai initiated the proceedings.
The Chief Minister was sworn in the name of God followed by her ministers including, her trusted lieutenant O Pannerselvam.
After the ministers, DMK leader M K Stalin, who is set to take over as Leader of the Opposition, took oath in the name of his conscience followed by former Speaker and Deputy Speaker P Dhanapal and V Jayaraman.

Later, Karunanidhi, a former Chief Minister who has contested for the thirteenth successive term, was sworn in.
He was also sworn in the name of his conscience.

(REOPENS MDS5)
While most of the AIADMK MLAs took oath in the name of God, DMK members did the same in the name of conscience.
Earlier, the House observed a few moments of silence in respect to deceased AIADMK MLA Seenivel (Thirpparankundram), who died today.
Pro-tem Speaker Semmalai hailed Jayalalithaa for her efforts to put Tamil Nadu on the growth path and urged the legislators to unitedly work for the state's welfare.
The House was decked up with flowers and garlands to mark the first day of the first session of the 15th Assembly.