Amma passes away: Flags to be flown at half mast, no ceremonial functions

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa who passed away last night at 11

Meanwhile, a seven-day state mourning has been declared from today morning to mourn the death of the beloved six-time Chief Minister and 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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi will fly down here to pay their respects at Rajaji Hall, where her body has been kept.

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."

Amma's loyalist O Panneerselvam has been sworn in as Chief Minister at a sombre ceremony at the Raj Bhawan along with all the ministers in the erstwhile Jayalalithaa Cabinet.

Jayalalithaa will be cremated will full state honours at Marina beach today at 4:30 pm.