“Selvi Jayalalithaa was one of the most iconic political figures of India who had an enormous impact on the people of Tamil Nadu,” Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday. Singh was among many political leaders in the country who paid tribute to the Tamil Nadu chief minister, who died late on Monday in Chennai’s Apollo Hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Jayalalithaa ji’s connect with citizens, concern for the welfare of the poor, women and the marginalised will always be a source of inspiration...Her demise has left a huge void in Indian politics.” President Pranab Muherjee said her “contribution to the progress and development of Tamil Nadu will be long remembered”. Modi paid homage to Jayalalithaa at Rajaji Hall, while the president’s flight was turned back to Delhi after facing a technical snag. Both leaders will attend her funeral at 4.30 pm.
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said, “Women, farmers, fishermen and the marginalised dreamt through her eyes.” His mother and Congress President Sonia Gandhi offered her condolences to the people of Tamil Nadu, saying the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party leader had a “unique and deep empathy with the needs and hopes of the people”.
Aam Aadmi party chief Arvind Kejriwal, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Lalu Prasad Yadav, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan were among several others to express their thoughts. “Popular, strong, bold, efficient, people-friendly, charismatic leader,” said Banerjee. The AIADMK’s main Opposition party in Tamil Nadu, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, said her “followers will make her immortal”.
The Tamil Nadu chief minister had been at the hospital since September 22. She died a day after she suffered a cardiac arrest. O Panneerselvam, who previously handled Tamil Nadu’s finances, was sworn in as chief minister soon after her death was announced.
A seven-day mourning period was announced in the state, and all schools and colleges will be closed for three days. The Centre also announced a one-day national mourning period, during which flags will be flown at half mast.
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