'Iron Lady' Jayalalithaa was leader of the masses: Odisha CM

Describing late Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa's demise as a national loss, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday said the former was the leader of the masses and made immense contribution to the development and welfare of the people.

Patnaik described the late AIADMK supremo as the 'Iron Lady' of Tamil Nadu.

"I am deeply shocked on the passing away of Jayalalithaa. She was a leader of the masses. She was known for her administrative caliber. She was the iron lady of Tamil Nadu," he said.

"The people of Tamil Nadu affectionately referred her as 'Amma'. She enjoyed a huge mandate and was known for her administrative caliber and political wisdom. She steered the state on the path of progress and prosperity," he added.

He further said the people of Odisha stand in solidarity with the people of Tamil Nadu in this hour of grief and bereavement.

Echoing similar sentiments, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said, "The work which she did for the people is remarkable. She was a very popular leader as we can see the whole state is mourning (her death)."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Jayalalithaa, who died of a cardiac arrest last night.

He also offered his condolences to Jayalalithaa's close aide Sasikala, the members of her family and to Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam.

The Centre has declared one-day mourning in view of the demise of Jayalalithaa, whereas the state government has declared seven-day mourning.

Jayalalithaa's last rites will be performed today at 4.30 p.m. at MGR Memorial, Marina beach, Chennai.