'She struggled for poor people: Parrikar on Jayalalithaa's demise

Expressing his condolence over the demise of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said she struggled for poor people and took initiatives that every other states followed.

"She struggled for poor people and took initiatives that other states followed. Her demise is a huge loss for Tamil Nadu and entire country,' said Parrikar.

Union Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also expressed his grief over the AIADMK supremo's death and said that she had a strong personality and struggled a lot to achieve so much for her state.

"She got the support from the people of Tamil Nadu and was elected the state's chief minister for consecutive five times," he said adding that Jayalalithaa was a nationalist and was always concerned about her nation's safety.

Lauding the departed leader, Prasad said she was a dedicated person and always stood by thr nation at difficult times.

Meanwhile, tributes are being paid to Jayalalithaa at Rajaji Hall in Chennai where her mortal remains have been kept in the state.

Preparations are currently underway at MGR Memorial at Marina Beach, Chennai, for her last rites.

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

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

The government has also decided to accord a state funeral to the departed leader which will take place at 4.30 p.m. in Chennai.

The 68-year old AIADMK chief 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.