A court in Bangalore convicted on Saturday Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa in connection with an 18-year-old disproportionate assets case. The sentencing under the Prevention of Corruption Act is expected later in the day.

Tension gripped the Karnataka capital soon after the judgment in view of the presence of hundreds of AIADMK workers who had thronged the city to show solidarity with their leader.

The verdict came as a huge blow to the AIADMK chief, who may now be forced to step down from the chief minister’s post.

The perception in the party is that now senior state minister O Paneerselvam, who is known for his loyalty to ‘Amma’, could be asked to act as chief minister again.

In September 2001, when the Supreme Court had set aside Jayalalithaa’s appointment as CM following her conviction in a corruption case, she had installed Paneerselvam.

But, a section of party leaders also indicated that she would favour a non-politician this time to keep the seat warm till her return.

While some reports said DMK supporters in Tamil Nadu erupted in celebrations, a pall of gloom descended on AIADMK workers, including those in Bangalore who were preparing to distribute sweets anticipating Jayalalithaa’s release.

At least 5,000 policemen as well as paramilitary forces have been deployed to maintain peace in the Karnataka capital since morning.

The administration does not want to take a chance against the backdrop of a February 2000 incident, where three college students were burnt alive in Dharmapuri by AIADMK activists protesting against a special court verdict in which Jayalalithaa was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment.

Jayalalithaa and three associates - her former close friend VK Sasikala, Sasikala’s nephew VN Sudhakaran and sister-in-law J Illavarasi - were found guilty of acquiring Rs. 66.65 crore worth of assets by corrupt means between 1991 and 1996 during her first tenure as CM.

The case was filed by the vigilance wing of the Tamil Nadu police in 1996 during the tenure of the DMK government headed by M Karunanidhi, known as Jayalalithaa’s arch-rival.

The AIADMK can challenge the verdict in the Karnataka high court, as it was the appropriate body that had set up the special court to conduct trial in the assets case that was shifted to Bangalore from Chennai, fearing interference from Jayalalithaa. – Hindustan Times