All of Bihar is mourning Jayalalithaa's demise: Nitish Kumar

Expressing his grief over the demise of late AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday described it is as a huge loss not only for Tamil Nadu politics, but also for the nation.

"It is an unfortunate loss, not only for Tamil Nadu politics but also for rest of the country" said the JD(U) supremo, adding that one-day mourning has been declared in the state.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav also expressed his condolence over Jayalalithaa's demise saying "At a time when the country is inclining towards dictatorship, such leader was needed," adding it was a huge loss for the country.

Meanwhile, tributes are being paid to Jayalalithaa at Rajaji Hall in Chennai where her mortal remains have been kept in the state.

Preparations are currently underway at MGR Memorial at Marina Beach, Chennai, for her last rites.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are travelling to Chennai to pay their last respects to the departed leader.

The Government of India has, as a mark of respect to Jayalalithaa announced that the national flag will fly at half-mast in capitals of all states and UTs.

The government has also decided to accord a state funeral to the departed leader which will take place at 4.30 p.m. in Chennai.

The 68-year old AIADMK supremo breathed her last at 11:30 p.m. at the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai.

Jayalalithaa, who had suffered a massive cardiac arrest on Sunday evening, was admitted to the hospital on September 22 following complaints of fever and dehydration.