New Delhi: Tributes poured in for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Pranab Mukherjee, DMK chief M Karunanidhi and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar among leaders condoling her death.
Jayalalithaa passed away at the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai at 11.30 last night after waging a grim battle for life since her hospitalisation on September 22.
Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Jayalalithaa's death as having left a 'huge void in Indian politics'. Modi, who shared excellent rapport with Jayalalithaa, tweeted, "Jayalalithaa ji’s connect with citizens, concern for welfare of the poor, the women & marginalized will always be a source of inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Tamil Nadu in this hour of grief."
“May the Almighty grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss with courage and fortitude. I will always cherish the innumerable occasions when I had the opportunity to interact with Jayalalithaa ji. May her soul rest in peace,” Modi said.
Pranab Mukherjee
“In her passing away, the nation has lost an icon who was loved and admired by millions. Her contribution to the progress and development of Tamil Nadu will be long remembered,” President Pranab Mukherjee said.
Sonia Gandhi
Describing Jayalalithaa as a towering figure in the national and political life, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said the Congress Party, her family and she personally share the grief and pain of the people of the state and her devoted supporters in the AIADMK, who have lost their beloved 'Amma'.
"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. I am deeply grieved to learn of the passing away of Selvi J Jayalalithaa," said Gandhi in a statement issued in Delhi.
She further said, "Selvi Jayalalithaa lived her entire life with the same indomitable courage with which she battled her last illness. As the leader of the AIADMK and as five-time 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 the Tsunami or her vision for Tamil Nadu's industrial development, her leadership qualities and administrative abilities were truly outstanding," she added.
Rahul Gandhi
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's official Twitter handle 'OfficeOfRG' tweeted, "We lost a great leader today. Women,farmers,fishermen &the marginalised dreamt through her eyes. We will miss Jayalalithaa ji, Amma to millions."
Karunanidhi
“I offer deep condolences on the passing away of Jayalalithaa , wishes of lakhs of her followers will make her immortal,” DMK supremo M Karunanidhi said.
There may have been many differences of opinion between DMK and AIADMK but there can be no doubts she "bravely" worked for her partymen's welfare, he said in a statement.
"Although she might have died at a young age (68), there is no doubt that her fame will remain forever," he said.
Recalling Jayalalithaa's film career, Karunanidhi said she had paired with matinee idol MG Ramachandran who later groomed her in politics after founding AIADMK.
K Chandrasekhar Rao
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Tuesday expressed his shock over the demise of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and said that it was indeed a great loss to the people of Tamil Nadu and a void in political scenario of the state.
"In her passing, the state of Tamil Nadu has a great void which is difficult to fill in. It is a great loss to Tamil society," Rao said.
He further said that the AIADMK supremo was regarded as Purachi Thalavi and a revolutionary leader in Tamil Nadu politics.
Lauding her political journey, Rao said, "It was both challenging and inspirational at a time when women entering politics was rare. Jayalalitha created a political history in contemporary Tamil Nadu politics by becoming the AIADMK's general secretary and later on as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu."
Rao described Jayalalithaa as a unique person in Tamil Nadu politics for winning the assembly elections consecutively for two terms and forming the government, setting a record of sorts.
Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Jayalalithaa was a “Popular, strong, bold, efficient, people- friendly and charismatic leader.
Amma. Always at the heart of people. Big loss. I am shocked and saddened. I humbly urge the people of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK to face this big loss with courage and greatness. May she Rest in Peace,” she tweeted in English and Tamil.
Venkaiah Naidu
“Felt very sad about the demise of Madam Selvi Jayalalitha, had hopes till last movement,doctors made every possible attempt,” Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said.
Rajnath Singh
I pay my heartfelt tributes to the departed soul. I also appeal to the people of Tamil Nadu to remain calm in this hour of grief, said Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
Chandrababu Naidu
"In deep anguish over the demise of Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa, a long-time friend & a leader with indomitable spirit who is loved by all," Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu said.
Arvind Kejriwal
"V sad to hear the demise of Amma. A very very popular leader. Aam admi's leader. May her soul rest in peace," Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.
MK Stalin
"Deeply saddened by the demise of our CM Selvi Jayalalithaa. My deepest condolences to the party cadres & well wishers in this hour of grief," MK Stalin said.
Nitish Kumar
Expressing his grief over the demise of late AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday described it is as a huge loss not only for Tamil Nadu politics, but also for the nation.
"It is an unfortunate loss, not only for Tamil Nadu politics but also for rest of the country" said the JD(U) supremo, adding that one-day mourning has been declared in the state.
Mehbooba Mufti
Offering condolences to the people of Tamil Nadu over the demise of chief minister Jayalalithaa, her Jammu and Kashmir counterpart Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said Amma was a godmother for the women of her state.
Mehbooba said, "In our political regime, her death is a loss for the nation because was not only a compassionate person but very brave, a daredevil and also a very cosmopolitan. People of a particular religion were not connected but all the religions; especially she was a god mother for the women of her state."
She further said Jayalalithaa is an eminent personality and the most learned leader of the nation.
"The whole country is mourning. People lovingly called her ' Amma'. She was the people's chief minister. I offer my condolences to the people of Tamil Nadu because they have suffered losses and I pray she goes to heaven." Mufti added.
Lalu Prasad Yadav
RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav also expressed his condolence over Jayalalithaa's demise saying "At a time when the country is inclining towards dictatorship, such leader was needed," adding it was a huge loss for the country.
Ghulam Nabi Azad
Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "India has lost one of its shining stars and it is most unfortunate. It was an untimely death. She made her mark both as an artist and a politician. She was a most soft spoken politician in the country and yet she was a great administrator and famous for her poverty elevation programs."
Azad further said that Jayalalithaa will always be always remembered for her good works she had done for the people of Tamil Nadu.
P Chidambaram
Congress veteran and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday expressed grief over the death of AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, saying she "brought a hard, uncompromising style" to politics and governance that won praise and criticism.
In a series of tweets, Chidambaram also said that the late Chief Minister acquired loyal following that equalled that of her mentor MG Ramachandran.
"She brought a hard uncompromising style to politics and governance that won praise and criticism.. Jayalalithaa acquired large loyal following that equalled that of her mentor MGR," he said.
Jayalalithaa was the "most dominant political personality of Tamil Nadu in the last 25 years," he said, adding, "AIADMK must carry on and provide a government for remaining over four years."
Smriti Irani
"My deepest condolences to J. Jayalalithaa ji’s loved ones and supporters in Tamilnadu & across India in this hour of grief. Aum Shanti!, said Smriti Irani.
Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, "I express my grief and deep sorrow on the demise of Tamilnadu CM J Jayalalithaa."
Manohar Parrikar
Expressing grief over Jayalalithaa's death, Parikkar said in a Twitter post: "I express my condolences on the passing away of TN CM J Jayalalithaa. I pray for strength to the people of Tamil Nadu at this sad hour."
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)
RSS on Tuesday condoled the death ofthe late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, hailing her national spirit and ability to face challenges.
"Though she ruled state politics, she had unflinching faith in national integrity. She also was a believer," RSS State President ML Raja said in a statement.
She "sparkled" as a star both in the fields of cinema and politics, he said.
Jayalalithaa had faced many challenges in personal and professional lives "all by herself and overcame them," he said, adding, her death was a great loss to the country.
Richard R Verma
US Ambassador to India, Richard R Verma also condoled the death of the AIADMK supremo.
"Chief Minister Jayalalithaa will be remembered for her years of public service to Tamil Nadu and as a supporter of closer ties between the United States and India. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Tamil Nadu during this time of sorrow," he said in a statement.
Announcing her demise at 12.13 am, Apollo Hospitals in a statement said, "The Chief Minister suffered a massive cardiac arrest on the evening of the December 4, even while our intensivist was in her room. She was immediately administered resuscitation (CPR), and provided ECMO support within the hour, which is the most advanced treatment currently available internationally. Every possible clinical attempt was made to sustain her revival. However, despite our best efforts the Chief Ministerm'st underlying conditions rendered her unable to recover and she passed away at 11.30 p.m. today."
Her body has been kept at Rajaji Hall for people to pay last respects.
Meanwhile, a seven-day state mourning has been declared from Tuesday morning to mourn the death of the late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. A three-day holiday has also been announced for educational institutions in the state.
