AIADMK workers tonsure heads for Jaylalitha release

Amma supporters are now seeking divine intervention for her release. With the hearing on J. Jayalalithaa's plea coming up before the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday, the former Tamil Nadu chief minister's followers on Monday performed special pujas, tonsured their heads and organised an allfaith prayer meeting in front of the Bangalore Central Jail where she has been lodged.

The 'show of strength' baffled the local police, who were caught unawares by the sudden surge of crowd. More than 100 followers of Jayalalithaa tonsured their heads. Local AIADMK leader K.R. Krishna Raju sponsored the event.

"We want Amma (Jayalalithaa) to be out on bail. We are confident that justice will be delivered tomorrow. When a criminal gets bail, why our Amma, who has worked for the upliftment of the poor, cannot get bail? We have faith in the judiciary as well as God," said Krishna Raju, who continued his day-long special event despite objections from the local police.

The AIADMK party workers displayed banner and placards in support of Jayalalithaa and raised slogans in her favour. According to Krishna Raju, the tonsured hair will be offered to various temples for the well-being of the former CM.

Meanwhile, an all-faith prayer meeting was held with people representing various religions praying for divine intervention in the case. In addition, special pujas were also performed outside the jail to invoke the blessings of the God in view of the bail hearing on Tuesday.

It has been more than a week since the former CM is lodged in the Bangalore Central Jail after being convicted by a special court in the Rs.66.65 crore disproportionate assets case. The AIADMK leaders are under pressure to find legal relief for their leader.

Even kids performed puja hoping for bail for 'Amma'. "We want to express solidarity with Amma. Today, only Karnataka cadre of AIADMK participated in this event. We are hopeful of happy news tomorrow," Krishna Raju said.

As demonstrations and unexpected protests continue outside the jail, the demand to shift Jayalalithaa from Bangalore to Tamil Nadu has intensified. Former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda made it clear that the state government should not spend its resources on the issue.

"Why should Karnataka government take the burden of hosting Jayalalithaa Every day, it is becoming a law and order situation. The chief minister should seek her transfer to Tamil Nadu," he said.