"Fighter" Jayalalithaa fought till the last moment: President Mukherjee

Remembering late Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa from the early days of his political career, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday expressed his condolences and said that she was a fighter having a wonderful mastery over facts and theories.

Speaking to ANI here, the President recalled Jayalalithaa entering into the Rajya Sabha when he was the Leader of the House around early 1980's.

"On many occasions I had interactions with her on all subjects concerning development and administration. She had a wonderful mastery over facts and theories," he said ahead of his departure to Chennai, where he will pay his last respects to Jayalalithaa.

Asserting that she was a fighter who fought till her last breath, President Mukherjee further said that she fought against the cruelty of disease and suffering.

"All other battles she won, but perhaps everybody has to lose one battle and she has lost that," he said.

Meanwhile, both houses of the Parliament have been adjourned for the day after paying obituary to Jayalalithaa.

The Central Government has declared a one-day mourning after the demise of Jayalalithaa, who passed away last night at the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai.

The Tamil Nadu Government has announced a seven-day state mourning from today. During the period, the national flag on all government buildings will be flown at half-mast. No official entertainment will also be held during this period. The government has also declared a three-day holiday for all 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. The Kerala Government has declared a holiday for all government offices and educational institutions in the state.

Tributes are being paid to Jayalalithaa at Rajaji Hall in Chennai where her mortal remains have been kept.

Preparations are currently underway at MGR Memorial at Marina beach, Chennai, for her last rites where she will be cremated with full state honours at 4:30 p.m. today.