Leaders across the political spectrum today paid glowing tributes to late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister JJayalalithaa, 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.
(Repeating with fresh inputs)
Expressing grief, Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu M K Stalin, said, "Deeply saddened by the demise of our CM Selvi Jayalalithaa. My deepest condolences to the party cadres and well wishers in this hour of grief".
"She was an iconic and courageous leader. This is an irreparable loss to the people of Tamil Nadu," he said.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed sadness at the passing away of Jayalalithaa, saying, "She was a powerful voice for the weaker sections of the society."
"She always worked for the benefit of the poor and needy. She has left an indelible mark in Tamil Nadu politics with her enduring legacy. Selvi Jayalalithaa was one of the most iconic political figures of India who had an enormous impact on the people of Tamil Nadu," Singh said.
"I pay my heartfelt tributes to the departed soul. I also appeal to the people of Tamil Nadu to remain calm in this hour of grief," he said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also condoled the passing away of Jayalilthaa.
"A popular, bold, efficient, people-friendly charismatic leader Amma, always at the heart of people. Big loss, I am shocked, saddened," Banerjee said in a tweet.
"I humbly urge the people of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK to face this big loss with courage and greatness. May she rest in peace," the Trinamool Congress supremo said.
Expressing grief, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thawar Chand Gehlot said, "Deeply saddened to learn of the demise of Tamil Nadu CM, Selvi Jayalalithaa. Iron Lady in politics so far, has left a vacuum."
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy also expressed grief at her death.
"Jayalalithaa has done a lot of good work for the development of Tamil Nadu and for the welfare of the people. I mourn her death personally and also on behalf of the people of the union territory," he said.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a tweet, said, "Very sad to hear the demise of Amma. A very very popular leader. Aam aadmi's leader. May her soul rest in peace."
Condoling her death, BJP President Amit Shah said, "Saddened by the demise of Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa ji. I extend my deepest condolences to her party and followers in this hour of grief."
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed grief over her demise.
"India lost a powerful leader," he said in a condolence message. She stood as an inspiration for many in public life, he said.
"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. My deepest condolences to her well-wishers & supporters. She will remain in our memories as leader who truly cared for people," Naidu said.
YSR Congress president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy condoled Jayalalithaa's death, saying, "She rode like a colossus on the Dravidian political canvass. She will be remembered for her resoluteness, fighting spirit and pro-poor policies."
In her death the country in general and Tamil Nadu in particular lost a great orator, able administrator and a mass leader, he added.
(REOPENS DEL23)
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.
(Reopens Del36)
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.
(REOPENS DES5)
West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi said
Jayalalithaa worked for the welfare of women and the poor.
She was a cultural personality and was a versatile actress before joining politics, he said.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje tweeted: "Deeply saddened by the demise of Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa ji. I join the nation in mourning the loss of an icon -- a leader of the masses."
Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehot said she was a true leader of the poor and the marginalised. Her death has left a void, which cannot be filled.
"It is the end of an era in Indian politics and in Tamil Nadu's life and society," he said.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said Jayalalithaa was "the people's chief minister" and her death is "the biggest loss to the political process of the country".
"It is a sad day for the entire country. Jayalalithaa was a great personality. I believe she was one of the most learned leaders of our country. The void she left is hard to fill," she said.
The former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister was a leader of masses and will be long remembered for introducing many innovative schemes and programmes for public welfare. She was a godmother for the women of her state, she said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Jayalalithaa was one of the greatest women leaders. "Very few people get the kind of love, affection and support she got from people. She's one of those few," he said in his condolence message.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said India lost a powerful leader who stood as an inspiration for many in public life.
"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. My deepest condolences to her well-wishers & supporters. She will remain in our memories as leader who truly cared for people," he tweeted.
YSR Congress president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy said Jayalalithaa rode like a "colossus on the Dravidian political canvass".
He said she will be remembered for her resoluteness, fighting spirit and pro-poor policies. In her death, the country in general and Tamil Nadu in particular lost a great orator, able administrator and a mass leader.
(Reopens DES 8)
TRS MP K Kavitha said Jayalalithaa was an inspiration to people including her and emerged stronger despite facing many challenges.
Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury described her as the most powerful chief minister in the country and said she will remain immortal.
MNS president Raj Thackeray termed he an embodiment of regional pride and "iron lady" of politics. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said the country had lost a shining star on political horizon in the passing away of Jayalalithaa.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar in a tweet said, "Deeply saddened to know about the passing away of Jayalalithaa. She will always be remembered as Amma of the masses.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar also expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of Jayalalithaa.
Haryana government observed a one-day state mourning as a mark of respect to the departed leader. The National Flag was flying at half-mast.
The Jharkhand government also declared one day state mourning even as several leaders including former chief minister Arjun Munda, and Babulal Marandi expressed their condolonce.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and working president Omar Abdullah expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of Jayalalithaa.
Nagaland Governor P B Acharya and Chief Minister T R Zeliang also condoled her death.
Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh expressed his grief over her death.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat visited Tamil Nadu House in Delhi to condole her death by garlanding her picture. Governor K K Paul said it was a great loss for politics as well as society.
Chhatisgarh Governor Balramji Das Tandon and Chief Minister Raman Singh also expressed deepcondolenceon demise of Jayalalithaa.
