GRAND WELCOME: Secretariat staff shower flowers as Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi arrives at Fort St. George in Chennai on Saturday. — Photo : M. Vedhan

CHENNAI: Slogans such as "Long live Kalaignar," "Long live our Chief Minister" and "Hearty welcome to you" rent the air as Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi entered the portals of Fort St.George in his famous propaganda van shortly after taking over the reins of the government for the fifth time in Tamil Nadu.

Secretariat staff, including a large number of women employees belonging to various departments, who lined up on either side of the entrance, accorded him a rousing reception by showering rose petals along the pathway leading to the portico.

A huge yellow hoarding put up by the Tamil Nadu Secretariat Association welcomed the Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues.

As the white Tempo Traveller reached the portico around 12.30 p.m., he was received by Chief Secretary N. Narayanan and other top officials at Gate No. 8.

Accompanied by Union Ministers T.R. Baalu, Dayanidhi Maran and A. Raja and some of the newly appointed Ministers, including his long-time party comrade and Finance Minister K. Anbazhagan and M.K. Stalin, the Chief Minister reached his office on the first floor.

Even as news photographers and camera crew of the electronic media vied with one another to gain entry into the Chief Minister's chamber, party activists swarmed the nearby corridor to greet Mr. Karunanidhi.

Secretaries of different departments and police officials, including the top brass A.X. Alexander, called on the Chief Minister.

Shawls and bouquets

The veteran who occupied the Chief Minister's seat after a gap of five years, received garlands, shawls and bouquets from officials and party activists in his chamber, where the portraits of Father of the Nation Gandhiji and former Chief Minister C.N.Annadurai were displayed. Some of his party and Cabinet colleagues sought his blessings.

Several jubilant government employees and teachers from different parts of the State thronged the Secretariat to greet Mr.Karunanidhi and his cabinet colleagues. During his nearly 30-minute stay at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister visited the Governor's room and the Cabinet meeting hall.

Prasadams distributed

All other Ministers also formally assumed office. Prasadams from various temples were handed over to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Minister P.T.R.Palanivel Rajan.

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