68-kg cake cut as Jayalalithaa turns 68

Chennai, Feb 24 A 68-kg cake was cut, an AIADMK leader floated on water for 68 minutes and 15 lakh people telephoned her birthday greetings as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK star J. Jayalalithaa turned 68 on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the political leaders who spoke to her on the occasion, wishing her a long and healthy life.

Modi also tweeted: "Birthday wishes to Jayalalithaaji. May Almighty bless her with a long life, filled with good health."

At the AIADMK headquarters here, a cake weighing 68 kg was cut and distributed to cheering party cadres and leaders.

Some ardent AIADMK members tattooed the actor-turned-politician's image and performed special prayers seeking divinely blessings for Jayalalithaa.

Governor K. Rosaiah, union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and people from different walks of life greeted Jayalalithaa.

The Chennai Corporation announced a deposit of Rs.10,000 for every girl child born on Wednesday in corporation hospitals.

At the Amma Canteen, food and a sweet was given away free.

Another AIADMK leader organised a 68-hour 'yagna' for Jayalalithaa's welfare.

The government's Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department organised planting of 6,868 saplings at 12 temples in the state.

Around 15 lakh callers greeted Jayalalithaa through a dedicated telephone line.