The woman commonly referred to as ‘Amma’ and ‘Puratchi Thalaivi’ by her followers, now stands in court fighting for justice. Amma is referred to mother and Puratchi Thalaivi stands for ‘A Revolutionary Leader’.
Jayalalithaa did her school from Bangalore and later moved to Tamil Nadu to complete her studies. She was a child who always wanted to study law for the protection of the poor and oppressed masses. Due to circumstances she had to drop the idea of law and followed her aunt in Tamil films.
Family problems come in everyone’s life, and so did Jayalalithaa’s father was a wastrel who wasted the family fortune and money on things he didn’t even need. Leading to her mother work in the film industry and earn her livelihood, if not for her then for her family.
Jayalalithaa’s mother became her idol, her mentor, which made her walk on the footsteps of her mom. She learnt Bharat Natyam (A form of classical dance) and carnatic music. Her voice intimidated the audience, so she started singing in the local movies. Who would know that the role you play in your films would be the role you are going to play in your real life. She played the role of Chief Minister of the state in the movie ‘Neenga Nalla Erukkanum’.
Her beauty intimidated a lot of politicians; they even went on record saying their ambition in life is to be her servant or her watchdog in her heart. She did not just gain fame from Tamil Movies but also started her Bollywood career in the film ‘Izzat’ opposite to Dharmendra. Being close to MGR, her political career boosted and took a complete turn towards success.
In 1981, Jayalalithaa joined All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), a political party. In a time of just three years she became the secretary of the party leading to being an MP. In no time after the death of MGR, she won elections and became the first women opposition leader in the legislative assembly of Tamil Nadu.
After the death of Rajiv Gandhi and her party’s alliance with the UPA, boosted her vote bank and she became the first Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (1991-1996).
Corruption charges against her was a blow to her political career and the opposition DMK came to power and arrested her, till she was released after an year in 1997.
Amma recovered fast and again came to power in the next term, serving as the CM of the state for only four months, the elections took place again. There was no doubt on her win and she won and served from 2002-2006.
Her Achievements:
She received Kalaimamani Award from Tamil Nadu Government in 1977
Degree of Doctor of Literature from University of Madras in 1991
Degree of Doctor of Science from Dr. M.G.R Medical University in 1992
Degree of Doctor of Science in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in 2003
Degree of Doctor of Letters from Bharathidasan University in 2003
Controversies and Corruption Charges:
Television Set Case: Was alleged to have spent $2.4 million in excess while buying TV sets for villagers.
Tansi Land Deal case: She was alleged buying governments land during her tenure and setting up her own publication with her friend.
Wealth Assessment: According to a petition filed by Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption, her wealth was found to be $10 million, and the source of this much income was unknown.
Asset assessment: She was found to have 64 pounds of diamond studded gold jewellery, thousands of sarees, 750 pairs of shoes, 91 designer watches and 19 auto-mobiles.
Million Dollar Wedding: She also attracted a lot of attention by spending millions of dollars for her foster son’s wedding.
Accountant bashing: Jaya’s accountant was bashed by her and her companion who hit him with spiked shoes, until he cried for mercy.
Possession of more money: She was found with five big suitcases filled with precious necklaces, rings, bangles and earrings. She was holding 2,389 diamonds, 18 emerald stones and nine rubies.
Taking a short note of politicians like A Raja who were accused in serious charges, Ms Jayalalithaa also holds the banner of those similar charges 1) Selling Government property in cheap 2) Personal gains in contracts
3) Purchase by paying more, she has been accused in 46 cases and that’s not a low number.