Veda Nilayam set to become J Jayalalithaa memorial

CHENNAI: The AIADMK government, which has deposited Rs 68 crore in the court towards compensation for acquiring the house of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, has decided to convert Veda Nilayam at Poes Garden in Chennai city into a memorial of the late leader. It is clear now that the building will not become the official residence of Tamil Nadu chief minister. The Chennai district collectorate handed over the land and the three-storeyed building - in a state of disuse for more than three years - to the state information department on Wednesday.
However, Deepa Jayakumar, Jayalalithaa’s niece, one of the legal heirs of the former chief minister, rejected the “unfair compensation” and alleged that the ruling party was trying to draw some political mileage using the property. “The state government acts like a dictator. All my aunt’s possessions should be handed over to us as we are her legal heirs. The government is acting with an eye on elections. We will move court (against the government’s decision),” she said. Deepa strongly objected to the state announcing income tax department as a claimant when the court has awarded a letter of administration to her and her brother.

The inventory of the government says that the 24,000 sq ft property has 32,371 immovable items including 8,376 books, gold and silver items. “It will be a memorial only. It was never even considered as CM’s residence. Chief minister-led Puratchi Thalaivi Dr J Jayalalithaa Memorial Foundation will take care of the upkeep and maintenance of the property,” said an official. An ordinance promulgated in May envisages a 12-member foundation, with deputy CM O Panneerselvam as one of the members. One of the conditions laid down by OPS to merge with the EPS faction in 2017 was conversion of Jayalalithaa’s residence into a memorial. Another condition was constitution of a commission of inquiry to probe her death.
As per the ordinance, upon completion of the acquisition of the property, the government may, by notification, transfer immovable and movable properties to the foundation. Apart from maintenance and upkeep, the mandate of the foundation is also to prepare an action plan for conversion of the property into a memorial and send to the government for approval. It is entitled to receive donations and grants from any persons, including the government and raise funds in any manner as it deems fit. “The foundation will appoint a panel for management of the premises. The foundation will do micro planning of conversion and decide on the exhibits,” the official said.