'Veda Nilayam', the historic bungalow where former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa lived for almost five decades, was inaugurated as a memorial for the late AIADMK supremo on Thursday, January 28. But the memorial will not be thrown open to the public immediately due to a Madras High Court order restraining the public view. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami inaugurated the memorial house in the presence of AIADMK organizer O Panneerselvam, their cabinet colleagues, and senior leaders from the party. The successful inauguration is considered as the second show of strength by EPS-OPS duo in as many days as they fight to claim the political legacy of late Jayalalithaa. The inauguration took place after the High court allowed TN government to transform the house into memorial but restrains government to open the memorial to open for public. The bungalow was bought by her mother Sandhya in late 1960s. After her death in 2016, TN government announced that the Poes Garden bungalow will be converted into a memorial for Jayalalithaa.
The bungalow, whose current market value is nearly Rs 100 crore, was purchased by Jayalalithaa’s mother Sandhya for a mere Rs 1.32 lakh in 1967. She bought only the front portion but JJ later expanded the bungalow by purchasing nearby properties. For JJ, the Veda Nilayam is more than a residence. A voracious reader, late CM has a wonderful collection of nearly 8,000 books overlooking her bedroom on the first floor. These books will now be on display.
AIADMK throngs Marina as CM EPS inaugurates Late CM JJ memorial