Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa died here on Monday night after battling for life for 74 long days, triggering immense grief across the sprawling state. She was 68. “It is with indescribable grief, we announce the sad demise of our esteemed Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Puratchi Thalaivi Amma at 11.30 p.m.,” Apollo Hospitals said in a brief statement.
Jayalalithaa’s body will be kept at the Rajaji Hall for people to pay their respects, said the AIADMK, which the actor-turned-politician headed for decades. As the nation mourned her death, the Tamil Nadu government declared seven days of mourning. Schools and colleges in the state will be closed for three days. Jayalalithaa was admitted to the Apollo hospital on September 22 with fever and dehydration. She suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening, and her condition became critical.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying homage to Jayalalithaa. “One of India’s most charismatic and popular leaders, Jayalalithaa was a visionary and able administrator,” Mukherjee said. Modi added: “Deeply saddened at the passing away of Jayalalithaa. Her demise has left a huge void in Indian politics.”
Defining Jayalalithaa as a mass leader, Modi said in another tweet: “Jayalalithaaji’s connect with citizens, concern for welfare of the poor, the women and marginalized will always be a source of inspiration.” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said: “Popular, strong, bold, efficient, people- friendly, charismatic leader, Amma. Always at the heart of people. Big loss. I am shocked, saddened.” Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar described her passing away as “very saddening”. He announced a day’s state mourning in his state. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: “Very sad to hear the demise of Amma. A very popular leader. Aam Aadmi’s leader. May her soul rest in peace.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. Yadav said in a condolence message that the AIADMK leader was a multi-faceted personality who worked for the welfare of villages, poor, women and farmers. He said her contribution to Tamil Nadu would be remembered forever.
Whereas, DMK leader M.K. Stalin on Tuesday mourned the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, calling her an “iconic and courageous leader”. “Deeply saddened by the demise of our CM Selvi Jayalalithaa. My deepest condolences to the party cadres and well wishers in this hour of grief,” Stalin tweeted.”She was an iconic and courageous leader. This is an irreparable loss to the people of Tamil Nadu,” the former Deputy Chief Minister said in another tweet.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday condoled the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, saying she lived her life with same “indomitable courage with which she battled her last illness”. “I am deeply grieved to learn of the passing away of Selvi J. Jayalalithaa,” said Gandhi in a statement.
“As the leader of the AIADMK and as four-times Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, she had a unique and deep empathy with the needs and hopes of the people, and put in place policies that immeasurably improved their lives.
“Whether it was her welfare schemes for the rural and urban poor, her swift relief measures in the aftermath of Tsunami or her vision for Tamil Nadu’s industrial development, her leadership qualities and administrative abilities were truly outstanding,” said the Congress chief.
“The Congress party, my family and I personally share the grief and pain of the people of Tamil Nadu and her devoted supporters in the AIADMK, who have lost their beloved ‘Amma’,” Gandhi said. “She was a towering figure in our national and political life, who won admiration across the political spectrum for the intrepid spirit with which she faced the ups and downs of her life in politics, for her commitment to the people of her state, and her dedication to the honour of India,” she added. The AIADMK leader passed away at the Apollo hospital in Chennai late Monday night, a day after she suffered cardiac arrest. She was 68.
