Revolutionary Jayalalithaa became 'Amma' because she lived for her people: Venkaiah Naidu

As the nation mourns the demise of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, who passed away at 11

Remembering Jayalalithaa as an able administrator who had conviction and courage, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu told ANI here that Amma became a household name in Tamil Nadu because of her pro-poor, pro-people initiatives.

"I personally consider that she has brought a revolution in politics coming from an ordinary background, fighting against all odds by political rivals and her own party. She always thought about the interest of Tamil Nadu," Naidu said.

Recalling his last meeting with her, the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister said that that Jayalalithaa was always affectionate towards him.

 

"Today she is no more but she is lives in the heart of the people of her state. No matter who is the Chief Minister now, she will always be the leader. I appeal of the Tamil Nadu to maintain calm and peace and see that tributes are paid in the dignified manner," Naidu added.

Announcing her demise at 12.13 a.m., 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 Minister's underlying conditions rendered her unable to recover and she passed away at 11.30 p.m. today."

Her body will be kept at Rajaji Hall for people to pay last respects.

Meanwhile, a seven-day state mourning has been declared from today morning to mourn the death of five-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. A three-day holiday has also been announced for educational institutions in the state.

The neighbouring union territory of Puducherry has also announced a holiday for all government offices and educational institutions today as a mark of respect to Jayalalithaa.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled her demise.