Jayalalithaa remembered as dynamic, popular leader

Leaders across the political spectrum today paid glowing tributes to late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, describing her as a "towering figure" in Indian politics.

Lauding the leadership qualities and administrative abilities of Jayalalithaa as "outstanding", Congress President Sonia Gandhi said that as leader of AIADMK and as a four-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa had a "unique and deep empathy with the needs and hope of people".

"Congress Party, my family and I personally share the grief and pain of the people of Tamil Nadu and her devoted supporters in 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," she said.

In her condolence message, Sonia said Jayalalithaa lived her entire life with the same indomitable courage with which she battled her last illness.

"Whether it was her welfare schemes for the rural and urban poor or her swift measures in the aftermath of Tsunami or her vision for TN's industrial development, her leadership qualities and administrative abilities were truly outstanding," she said.

Condoling her demise, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said, "We lost a great leader. Women, farmers, fishermen and the marginalised dreamt through her eyes.We will miss Jayalalithaa ji, Amma to millions".

Mourning the demise of his Tamil Nadu counterpart, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced one-day state mourning in the state as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

In a condolence message, Kumar said Jayalalithaa's demise has caused an irreparable loss in the fields of politics, society and art and culture not only in the state of Tamil Nadu, but the entire country.

Paying rich tributes to Jayalalithaa, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad described her as a pro-poor, popular, bold and result-oriented leader of the country.

"Deeply saddened to hear demise of #Amma, a Pro-poor, Popular, Bold, Strong and result oriented Leader of country. Truly u wil be dearly missed," he said in a post on Twitter.

"My sincere prayers and thoughts are with people of Tamil Nadu, well wishers and family. #Amma did a lot for marginalized, farmers and poor. RIP," he said in another post.

"Sincerely and humbly request people of AIADMK and Tamil Nadu to bear this huge loss with courage. #Jayalalithaa has left a huge blank in politics," the RJD supremo said.

In her condolence message, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti described Jayalalithaa as a "mass leader who fought for her people".

She said the late leader was one of the learned politicians of the country. Expressing grief, BJP veteran L K Advani said Jayalalithaa was a dominant political personality from Tamil Nadu and a very popular and dynamic leader of the poor and downtrodden.

"She had tremendous will power and carved a special niche for herself in the politics," he said, recalling that the former film actor was referred as "the queen of Tamil cinema".

Delhi's Lt Governor Najeeb Jung said in his condolence message that Jayalalithaa was an extraordinary politician with exceptional administrative skills.

"She was one of the greatest political leaders of contemporary India and was a source of inspiration to many. In her sad demise, India has lost a unique leader, who touched the lives of millions of people. She was an extraordinary politician with exceptional administrative skills and immense following, which made her a distinct leader in Indian politics."

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan described Jayalalithaa as a symbol of "women's empowerment".

"Jayalalithaa was not only the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, but also a respected leader of the entire nation. She was the symbol of women's empowerment," Chouhan said before leaving for Chennai to pay his respects to the departed leader.

In his condolence message, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das said with her charismatic leadership, she took Tamil Nadu on the path of development.

Her relation with the people was strong, Das said, adding the country lost a leader whose replacement was not possible.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said her death is a "great loss" to the Tamil society.

He said the way Jayalalithaa emerged as the political heir to late M G Ramachandran from being an actress was "inspirational".

"At a time when women entering politics was rare, Jayalalithaa created a political history in contemporary Tamil Nadu politics by becoming AIADMK's General Secretary and later as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu," Rao said.

Rao directed Telangana ministers T Harish Rao and N Narasimha Reddy to attend the funeral of the departed leader.

Condoling the demise of Jayalalithaa, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, "I am saddened by the demise of Jayalalithaaji. It was a shock for all of us."

"She had been a great, popular leader. I pay homage on behalf of the state of Goa. May her soul rest in peace," the he said.

Describing Jayalalithaa's demise as a "national loss", Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who would be attending the AIADMK supremo's funeral, today said she was the leader of the masses and had made immense contribution to the development and welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu.

Moving the obituary motion on Jayalalithaa's death, in the Assembly, Patnaik described her as the 'Iron Lady' of Tamil Nadu. The House was adjourned for the day after paying tributes to the departed leader.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu mourned the demise of Jayalalithaa. In his condolence message, Khandu expressed his grief of losing "one of the most charismatic, influential and dedicated leaders ever produced by the country".

"Lovingly called Amma, who worked for the poor and the downtrodden she left behind a political legacy to cherish," Khandu said.

"I believe, leaving this mortal world will not diminish the love and affection showered on her by the people and her soul will remain immortal," the chief minister said.

Khandu also prayed to Lord Buddha to bestow O Pannerselvam, who was sworn in as the Chief Minister hours after Jayalalithaa's demise, with the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

Gujarat Governor O P Kohli and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today paid rich tributes to Jayalalithaa.

Expressing heartfelt condolences for the popular Chief Moinister of Tamil Nadu, Rupani in his message said she made a special place in the heart of every citizen of southern state.
Her death is a great loss to not just her party AIADMK, but also for all the people of Tamil Nadu, he said.

Expressing deep grief over the death of the 67-year-old Chief Minister, Kohli stated in his condolence message that she was a multi-talented human being and a popular leader of Tamil Nadu.

Citizens will always remember her pro-people work, he said. Describing Jayalalithaa as "people-friendly charismatic leader", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee her demise is a "big loss". She urged the people of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK to face this big loss with courage and greatness.

"Popular, strong, bold, efficient, Amma. Always at the heart of people. I am shocked, saddened," Banerjee said in her message. Two TMC MPs - Derek Obrien and Kalyan Benerjee will attend the funeral in Chennai.