Kerala mourns Jaya, govt offices to remain shut

Government offices and educational institutions in Kerala will remain shut today as a mark of respect to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who passed away after a prolonged illness.
In a press statement, the government declared a holiday today for all government offices, including state owned Public Sector Undertakings and educational institutions.
Expressing his deep sorrow at the demise of Jayalalithaa who died last night, State Governor P Sathasivam said she was the greatest woman political leader in contemporary India.
"In her we saw the perfect blending of the strong will of an able administrator and the compassion of a philanthropist".

"In her sad demise, we have lost a unique mother's touch that had brightened the lives of millions of people during the last three decades".
In his condolence message, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Jayalalithaa as an extraordinary politician with a rare political acumen and administrative skills which made her a distinct leader in Indian politics.

She had a special liking for Kerala and always strived to uphold and maintain relations, Vijayan said.
"We do not have any other Chief Ministers in our country who have influenced people like this. Her passing away is not only a major loss to Tamil Nadu, but for the entire country'.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala was among those who condoled her death.
Meanwhile, to prevent any untoward incidents, Kerala police strengthened security in the districts bordering Tamil Nadu with additional forces being deployed in the border areas of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Idukki and Palakkad districts.