Jayalalithaa verdict: Congress, BJP reacts cautiously, CPI says will have

Congress and BJP were cautious in reacting to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's conviction in a disproportionate assets case describing it as part of the judicial process while CPI felt this will entail "far-reaching" implications in state and national politics.

Terming the issue as "sensitive", the BJP also held as "unfortunate" any attempts by her political opponents to score points by using this opportunity and play politics over it. "It is a part of the judicial process. This is not the final verdict. There are options available before her to appeal in a higher court," BJP Vice President Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said.

He added that this was a sensitive issue and it was not proper to play politics on it. "It is unfortunate if any of her political opponents are using this opportunity to score points and play politics on it."

Congress was also guarded in its response with party spokesperson Anand Sharma merely saying "India has a rule of law and the courts take cognisance of all matters which is required to be looked into... As political parties we respect the judiciary and decisions."

He said one will have to bear in mind that the processes have to be completed. CPI said that her conviction and sentencing of four-year imprisonment would have "far-reaching" implications in the state and national politics, though there was no threat to the AIADMK government as it enjoyed a majority.

"Though she cannot remain the Chief Minister and cannot contest elections, there is no threat to the government as AIADMK has the majority. But this will have far-reaching implications on Tamil Nadu politics as well as that of the nation," party National Secretary D Raja said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was today convicted and sentenced to four years jail in an 18-year-old corruption case in a judgement. The 66-year-old AIADMK supremo has also been slapped with a fine of Rs 100 crore, highest imposed on any politician, by a special judge John Michael D'Cunha who heard the case of Rs 66.65 crore disproportionate assets acquired during her first term as Chief Minister between 1991 and 1996.

The verdict unseated her from the post, disqualified her immediately as an MLA and can impact the Assembly elections due in 18 months.