Chennai: Jayalalithaa’s tried and trusted political lieutenant O Panneerselvam took oath as Tamil Nadu chief minister on Monday September 29, and he already has his first task to cut out which is to “move heaven and earth” to secure a bail for his party supremo currently lodged in a Bangalore prison after being convicted in a disproportionate assets case.

Meanwhile, an emotional Panneerselvam, who is 63, broke down while taking his oath today. Many of the 32 ministers in the government also cried.  He has served as a replacement for his boss earlier as well. He took over as Chief Minister for her in 2000 when she was imprisoned for a few weeks during her second term as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

On the other hand their legal team was doing everything possible to get the Chief Justice of the Karnataka high court to convene a special bench to hear Jayalalithaa’s bail petition in HC on Monday or Tuesday. Noted lawyer and former Union law minister Ram Jethmalani is likely to appear on behalf of Jaya in HC.

As an immediate relief, Jaya will first seek bail which will be followed by an appeal against the judgment.