Jayalalitha makes a comeback

Jayalalitha is expected to return as chief minister

Controversial politician and former movie actress Jayalalitha Jayaram has been elected to the legislative assembly in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Her victory is expected to pave the way for her return as the state's chief minister - a job she lost after a court order in a connection with a corruption case.

Ms Jayalalitha defeated her nearest rival, Vaigai Sekar of the opposition DMK by over 40,000 votes to win a by-election in the Andipatti constituency.

She was forced to step down in September

Hundreds of her supporters queued up outside her residence to celebrate her victory which coincided with her 54th Birthday.

"This win is the best birthday present I have ever received in my life," she said.

She told journalists that she would go all out to ensure rapid and all round development of Tamil Nadu.

Corruption cases

A Supreme Court order forced Ms Jayalalitha to step down last September on the grounds that she was not a member of the state legislative assembly.

She had been barred from contesting elections because of her conviction in two corruption cases.

In February 2000 she was sentenced to two years in jail.

But the cases were overturned in a subsequent court appeal enabling her to contest the Andipatti by-election.

Her party has already indicated that she would be reinstated as chief minister following her victory.