Day one in office

By T.S. Shankar and K. Ramachandran

CHENNAI, MAY 14. The Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalitha, started off her stewardship of the State on a sober note this evening by signing a simple administrative order.

She picked her main administrative staff, appointing Mr. G. Ramakrishnan, an IAS officer serving as Commissioner for Disciplinary Proceedings, Ramanathapuram, Secretary to the Chief Minister. She also signed orders, appointing two more IAS officers, Mr. S. Natarajan (Commissioner for Disciplinary proceedings, Nagercoil) and Mr. S. Chandramohan (formerly Additional Collector of Virudhunagar) Deputy Secretaries in the CM's office.

Earlier, in a day of fast-paced developments - Ms. Jayalalitha herself said ``even I did not expect everything that is taking place so fast'' - word reached the Secretariat that the new Chief Minister would be coming to take over office immediately after the swearing-in ceremony.

The entire machinery went into top gear. A horde of officers and men landed at the first floor office of the CM's Secretariat. Already, renovation work was on to welcome the new Government. A chunk of them moved to the CM's office, brushing, cleaning and polishing floors, furniture and curtains.

The name-board in front of the CM's office was changed within minutes. By that time, there were huge throngs along Kamarajar Salai and within the Secretariat. Many secretariat staff did not move away after work and preferred to ``stay and watch''.

By 6-40 p.m., the power in the area tripped sending security men and staff in a tizzy. Tempers flared and media persons had a minor scuffle with the police. By 8 p.m., the mediamen were moved into the Cabinet room for a briefing.

Ms. Jayalalitha arrived a few minutes later, and was greeted by senior officers. After signing the first orders, she asked the Press to move into her room.

Amid much jostling in the small chamber, she addressed her maiden press conference for about 20 minutes under the glare of flashes and camera lights.

It was then the turn of officers, politicians and staff to greet her.

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Section  : Southern States
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