The ousted AIADMK leader V K Sasikala on Monday returned to Tamil Nadu to a grand reception, days after completing her four-year jail term in Bengaluru in a corruption case.

She underwent her sentence in the Rs 66.65 crore disproportionate assets case at the Parapana Agrahara central prison in Bengaluru since February 2017 and was set free on January 27.

Sasikala, a close aide of late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, crossed into Tamil Nadu at Athipalli in Krishnagiri district bordering Karnataka, around 10 am as her fans broke into celebrations, dancing to drum beats and showering flower petals on her convoy.

Sasikala's return to Tamil Nadu is being keenly watched for political impact as it comes at a time when the assembly elections in the state are to be held in the next few months.

However, she remained at the Government Victoria Hospital, where she had been admitted after testing positive for COVID-19 while under judicial custody. She was discharged from the hospital on January 31 after which she stayed at a resort, about 35 km from Bengaluru.

On Monday morning, she left the resort, accompanied by Dhinakaran, also the general secretary of Amma Makkal MunnetraKazhagam, in a convoy of around 200 vehicles as her supporters raised slogans hailing her. Before leaving, Sasikala offered floral tributes to a portrait of Jayalalithaa.

'Chinnamma', as she is fondly addressed by her followers, was greeted by a large gathering of people who waved both the AIADMK and AMMK flags as she entered Tamil Nadu. At several locations along the road to Hosur, welcome arches were erected to greet Sasikala while scores of people turned up to have a glimpse of her.

Women holding on their head 'Kalasha' or pitchers decorated with flowers lined up on the roadsides to receive the leader. Meanwhile, Dhinakaran said many AIADMK functionaries and workers had turned up to welcome his aunt, with the party flags in their hands.

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