President Mukherjee pays tribute to Jayalalithaa

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday paid his tribute to late Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa at Rajaji Hall in Chennai.

Expressing his condolences, President Mukherjee earlier in the day said that Jayalalithaa was a fighter having a wonderful mastery over facts and theories.

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 told ANI in New Delhi 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.

Cutting across party lines, several politicians including Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Jayalalithaa by offering flowers at her body in Rajaji Hall.

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

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