AIADMK to make changes to Jayalalithaa statue following outburst

Following Twitter’s laughter outburst over the life-size statue of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa erected in Chennai, AIADMK MLA and Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar promised that changes would be made to the statue, which according to the public bears no resemblance to her.

Speaking to media in Chennai, he said “Yesterday’s unveiling of Jayalalithaa’s statue is a matter of happiness, not just for the party cadre but for Tamils all over the world. However, owing to certain posts on social media, the party has decided to make some changes to the statue.”

To add to this, AIADMK Minister Kadambur Raju also said that the sculptor himself will make the changes to the statue which received a lot of criticism for its lack of resemblance to the former AIADMK leader.

Post the unveiling, which saw hordes of party cadre in attendance, many went on to point out that the statue does not look like Jayalalithaa.

The life size statue was erected in front of the party headquarters in Royapettah, Chennai, to commemorate the 70th birth anniversary of the leader. It was erected next to AIADMK founder and late Chief Minister MG Ramachandran’s statue in front of the party headquarters.

As part of the celebrations, the state government launched the scooter subsidy scheme wherein the government will provide 50% subsidy subject to a maximum of Rs 25,000 for the purchase of scooters by working women.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the scheme that was one of Jayalalithaa’s poll promises ahead of the 2016 Assembly elections.

Jayalalithaa passed away in December 2016 after being hospitalised for 73 days in Apollo Hospitals in the city.