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Tamil Nadu CM jayalalitha no more
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa passed away at 11:30 pm at Apollo Hospital Chennai
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, a popular leader who showered the poor with populist programmes and a pole in state politics for three decades, died here on Monday night at a private hospital after battling for life for the last 75 days.
The 68-year-old leader, who suffered a massive cardiac arrest on Sunday evening, passed away at 11:30 pm on Monday, the Apollo Hospitals said in a statement.
Our beloved leader, The Iron Lady of India Puratchi Thalaivi Amma is no more.
— AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) December 5, 2016
Press Release from Apollo Hospitals. pic.twitter.com/X79WKm5ApQ
— AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) December 5, 2016
Even as her death was announced, the AIADMK MLAs were meeting at the party headquarters to elect a successor to Jayalalithaa amid speculation that loyalist O Panneerselvam will fit into her shoes.
Jayalalithaa, who scored a historic win in the Assembly elections in the state little over six months ago, was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on September 22 with fever and dehydration but she could never recover.
A tinsel heroine, who inherited the legacy of her mentor late MGR, had entered politics in the early 1980s as the propaganda secretary of AIADMK and was made the in charge of the noon meal scheme undertaken by the MGR government.
Born in a Brahmin family, Jayalalithaa emerged as a fiery leader in a state where forces of social justice had thrown up an anti-Brahmin political movement even before independence.
She practised politics on her own terms and was one of the two poles in the state for nearly 30 years fighting the DMK headed by redoubtable M Karunanidhi.
Only hours earlier in the evening, the hospital had denied reports that Jayalalithaa had died as "baseless and false" when TV channels said she was no more.
"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 pm on Monday," Apollo Hospitals said in a statement.
The hospital release said, “The Chief Minister suffered a massive cardiac arrest on the evening of December 4 even while the intensivist was in her room.
The Chief Minister was immediately administered rescusitation (CPR) and provided ECMO support within the hour.
ECMO 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 Minister's underlying conditions rendered her unable to recover and she passed away at 11:30 pm on Monday, the release said.
Jayalalithaa pioneered a string of social sector schemes like 'cradle to baby scheme' aimed at fighting the curse of female foeticide, free gold coins for those who begot girl child.
She also opened a series of public welfare schemes under brand Amma, as she was popularly called, like 'Amma canteens' to low-priced food to the urban poor. There were similar schemes for the poor like 'Amma salt' 'Amma water' and 'Amma medicines'.
Jayalalithaa also attracted investment, especially from abroad, in sectors like automobile and IT.
A host of leaders including President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, vice president Rahul, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and a number of film personalities expressed grief over her death.
Modi, who shared good political equation with Jayalalisthaa said he was deeply saddened at her passing away which has left a "huge void" in Indian politics.
"I will always cherish the innumerable occasions when I had the opportunity to interact with Jayalalithaa Ji. May her soul rest in peace," he said.
Deeply saddened at the passing away of Selvi Jayalalithaa. Her demise has left a huge void in Indian politics.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 5, 2016
Jayalalithaa ji’s connect with citizens, concern for welfare of the poor, the women & marginalized will always be a source of inspiration.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 5, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Tamil Nadu in this hour of grief.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 5, 2016
May the Almighty grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss with courage and fortitude.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 5, 2016
I will always cherish the innumerable occasions when I had the opportunity to interact with Jayalalithaa ji. May her soul rest in peace.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 5, 2016
Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Ms. Jayaram Jayalalithaa, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu #PresidentMukherjee
— President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) December 5, 2016
One of India’s most charismatic & popular leaders, Ms. Jayalalithaa was a visionary & able administrator #PresidentMukherjee
— President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) December 5, 2016
In her passing away, the nation has lost an icon who was loved and admired by millions #PresidentMukherjee
— President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) December 5, 2016
Her contribution to the progress and development of Tamil Nadu will be long remembered #PresidentMukherjee
— President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) December 5, 2016
We lost a great leader today.Women,farmers,fishermen &the marginalised dreamt through her eyes.We will miss Jayalalithaa ji,Amma to millions
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 5, 2016
Popular,strong,bold,efficient, people- friendly,charismatic leader,
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 5, 2016
Amma.Always at the heart of people. Big loss.I am shocked,saddened 1/2
I humbly urge the people of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK to face this big loss with courage and greatness. May she Rest in Peace 2/2
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 5, 2016
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.1/2
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) December 5, 2016
My deepest condolences to her well-wishers & supporters. She will remain in our memories as leader who truly cared for people. (2/2)
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) December 5, 2016
Deeply saddened to learn of the demise of Tamil Nadu CM,Selvi Jayalalithaa. She was a powerful voice for the weaker sections of the society.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 5, 2016
Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi condoles Selvi J.Jayalalithaa's death & pays homage. pic.twitter.com/SaQlk3gZAb
— Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) December 5, 2016
Respect and condolences to all the people who love Puratchi Thalaivi Jayalalitha...We will miss her forever
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) December 5, 2016
#RIPAmma Jayalalitha garu was one of the strongest leaders of our times.It truly is the end of an era.She will remain an inspiration to many
— Kalyanram Nandamuri (@NANDAMURIKALYAN) December 5, 2016
V sad to hear the demise of Amma. A very very popular leader. Aam admi's leader. May her soul rest in peace.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 5, 2016
