Birthdays are an extravagant affair in Dravidian politics. They are not only the occasion for Tamil Nadu politicians to celebrate and show off but also flex political muscles with gaudy hoardings and cut-outs that blur the state’s landscape with sycophantic slogans.

AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa’s birthdays have been flashy. No doubt what grabbed the headlines were antics of party leaders scrambling to outdo each other in the sycophantic display of loyalty. There have been posters depicting her as goddesses and once, even as the Virgin Mary.

During her first tenure as Chief Minister (1991 to 1996), a senior woman leader even went around a temple wearing just neem leaves to fulfil a vow for Jayalalithaa’s long life and prosperity. She was subsequently made a state minister. In another macabre show of devotion, a local leader enacted death and was put through the last rites. He later said by going through the rituals, he hoped to bring long life to Amma. It is not known if the man was rewarded for his ‘death-like’ tribute to his leader.

Then followed a few years of subdued celebrations. But the AIADMK is at it again. While her birthday is only on February 24, enthusiastic followers, perhaps nervous about being prevented from celebrating it grandly, showed their intentions during the party general and executive council meetings held in the city outskirts on Wednesday.

They lined up 60 restless horses and two elephants to greet her convoy when she arrived at the venue. Leaders are hoping that the glittering display would reiterate her popularity particularly in the face of challenges from leaders claiming to be MGR’s heirs. Actors Vijayakant and Sarat Kumar have floated political outfits and have been using the name of the late matinee idol to get a political leg up, much to Jayalalithaa’s annoyance.

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