New team takes over in a simple ceremony at Raj Bhavan

The signature all round green colour ambiance favoured by the late Jayalalithaa during her swearing-in ceremonies was missing at the venue and this time around, the colour was only visible in the banner detailing the function.

In fact it was contrary to the fanfare attached to the proposed swearing-in ceremony of V K Sasikala at the Madras University Auditorium that never took place.

Instead, the Edappadi K Palaniswami-led cabinet was sworn-in today at a simple ceremony at the Raj Bhavan.

The centenary auditorium of the famous University of Madras has been the favourite of 'Amma' at the time of her swearing-in during 2011, 2015 (post acquittal in the disproportionate assets case) and 2016.
 

Though sometime last week, the same hall was scheduled to host another CM aspirant, V K Sasikala, it never materialised and she was subsequently convicted in the assets case.

The preparatory decoration work at the Madras University auditorium was halted after the delay in the decision by Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao who apparently chose to wait for the Supreme Court verdict in the assets case.

Passers-by at that time were surprised by sudden stoppage of decoratory work and withdrawal of police security there, pointing to the uncertainty in her taking over.

Soon after being named Legislature Party leader, Sasikala faced a revolt from former chief minister O Panneerselvam, who alleged he was forced to make way for her elevation.

Panneerselvam, a trusted lieutenant of Jayalalithaa, was sworn-in as Chief Minister in the midnight of December 5 at Raj Bhavan following her demise.

It was the same when he stood in for her briefly, following her conviction in disproportionate assets case, being sworn-in at functions bereft of any fanfare at the Raj Bhavan.

With the Governor inviting Palaniswami and his council of Ministers to form the government today, the swearing-in ceremony was conducted in a simple manner at Raj Bhavan.

Amidst the presence of invited guests, including consular officials and party MPs and MLAs, and industry leaders, the ceremony took place much to the delight of the AIADMK MLAs and party supporters.