Cong describes Jayalalithaa as 'a leader who changed and healed'

Stating that the entire nation is shocked and deeply saddened by the demise of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, died of cardiac arrest at 11.30 p.m. at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai on Monday evening, the Congress Party on Tuesday described her as a leader that ordinary people could reach out to and a leader who worked tirelessly for the people of the state till the very end.

"The entire nation is shocked and deeply saddened by her demise. She will always be remembered not only as Amma, but a leader that ordinary people could reach out to; a leader who changed and healed by the touch and affection she displayed and a leader who worked tirelessly for the people of Tamil Nadu till the very end," Congress media in charge Randeep Singh Surjewala told ANI.

"She was a person of indomitable spirit, fearless courage and an innate determination to do what she had decided to do. She faced many political and personal challenges, but rose up to occasion with each one of them," he said.

"Despite political differences, Ms. J. Jayalalithaa enjoyed special regard and affection for the Gandhi family, for the Congress party and more so for Soniaji and Rahulji. Rahulji had recently gone to Chennai to inquire about her well-being," Surjewala 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 Ministerm'st 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.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Mohmmed Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have condoled the demise of Jayalalithaa.