CHENNAI, March 2: Former actress Jayalalitha Jayaram was sworn in as chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Saturday, just five months after she was forced to step down from the post over corruption charges.

Jayalalitha took oath of office in a colourful ceremony at the Chennai University centenary hall, packed with hundreds of political supporters shouting slogans and cheering.

Earlier, thousands more had lined the streets to catch a glimpse of Jayalalitha as she drove to the venue.

A huge television screen was fixed outside the hall to enable those party activists who could not find a seat inside to watch the ceremony live.

“I am unable to express my feelings at this time,” Jayalalitha later said while talking to reporters after the hour-long ceremony had concluded.

“I feel an immense sense of gratitude towards the people of Tamil Nadu who have supported me and stood by me through thick and thin.”—AFP