By S Venkat Narayan
NEW DELHI, February 24: Fan frenzy reached its peak at some places in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday as AIADMK supremo filmstar-turned-politician Jayaram Jayalalithaa turned 67.
Many AIADMK supporters pierced themselves with spears and hooks as penance for ‘Amma’ (mother) to return to power.
Partymen also organized a number of welfare activities to mark their leader’s birthday.
While special prayers at religious places were conducted for the former chief minister’s acquittal in an assets case also, mass marriages and welfare activities marked the day for supporters.
Convicted in the INR 666.6 million disproportionate assets case by a Bengaluru special court last year, Jayalalithaa has challenged the verdict in the Karnataka High Court. At present, she is out on bail, confined to her home in Chennai.
While AIADMK ministers were at the forefront of organising special prayers—including pulling temple cars praying for the well-being of their “Amma” (mother)—a Jayalalithaa loyalist and martial arts expert Shihan Hussaini had “crucified” himself in Chennai for six minutes and seven seconds on Monday as part of celebrating the birthday.
Hussaini was assisted by aides as he nailed himself to a cross and remained on it for a 6.7 minutes. The duration of the act was designed to mark the former CM’s 67th birthday on Tuesday. Hussaini’s aides hammered .6-inch nails into his hands and feet for the act.
A team of doctors and an ambulance were standing by during the self-crucifixion.
Disturbed over the report that Hussaini nailed himself to a cross in her support, Jayalalithaa on Monday appealed to him not to take any step that may endanger his life.
In a letter to him, Ms Jayalalithaa said she was “deeply shocked and distressed” over his action.
Thanking him for the concern shown in her interest, Ms Jayalalithaa wrote: “I consider that subjecting oneself to such an extreme act of self-inflicted pain should be avoided.”
She advised him to take good care of himself.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the leaders who extended birthday greetings to Jayalalithaa.
“Birthday greetings to Jayalalithaa ji. May she be blessed with a long life, filled with good health.” he tweeted.
Courtesy:The Island