V K Sasikala, a close aide of former Tamil Nadu chief minister late Jayalalithaa, left the Prestige Golfshire Resort in Devanahalli for Tamil Nadu on Monday morning.
After serving four-year imprisonment in a disproportionate assets case, Sasikala was released from jail on January 27 while she was being treated for Covid-19 at Victoria Hospital.
While it was speculated that thousands of supporters would descend on the resort to welcome her, the actual number turned out to be about 200 as police started regulating the entry of her supporters from Tamil Nadu on Saturday.
Known as 'Chinnamma' among her followers, Sasikala had taken over the reins of AIADMK after the death of Jayalalithaa. However, she was dismissed from the position after her conviction in the disproportionate assets case.
The crowds that gathered here, however, saw a new beginning in her entry to Tamil Nadu. "She is coming out after four years. She has touched many lives. Many people have deserted her after getting all the help from her. However, there are thousands of us who still believe in her. She is now coming to save Tamil Nadu, we are waiting for her," said one supporter who was waiting in front of the gate.
Ponnanand and Shanti Anand, a couple who had travelled from Rajapalayam in Virudupuram district along with their children, said they only wanted a glimpse of 'Chinnamma'. "We have come here to show that we are with her. Chinnamma is our leader and will remain our leader," Ponnanand said.