Jayalalithaa's contributions to people of Tamil Nadu will not be forgotten: Canada Envoy

Canada's High Commissioner Nadir Patel on Tuesday expressed his grief over the demise of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and said that her valuable contributions to the people, development and progress of Tamil Nadu will not be forgotten.

Patel, who was deeply saddened by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's passing, said, "I extend my sincere condolences to her family, and to the people of Tamil Nadu."

Meanwhile, 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 ceremony.

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

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

The government has also decided to accord 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.