Jayalalithaa's death: Condolence messages pour in

Condolence messages poured in from different quarters on Tuesday over the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, who died in a Chennai hospital on Monday night.

Union Minister for Civil Aviation P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju said India had lost a visionary and exemplary leader, a multitalented personality and a person of ever-helping nature.

"Combining the qualities of the head and the heart, she won the admiration of all her colleagues and love of all fellow citizens. Her sudden demise has left a void which would be impossible to fill," he said in a statement here.

Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said he was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Jayalalithaa.

"The untimely demise of Jayalalithaa is a loss not only to the state and people of Tamil Nadu but also to the entire nation. Her loss will be deeply mourned by all those who knew her and all those whose lives were touched by her," Kharge said.

Canada's High Commissioner to India Nadir Patel said: "On behalf of the High Commission of Canada, I am deeply saddened by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's passing. I extend my sincere condolences to her family, and to the people of Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and her valuable contributions to the people, development and progress of Tamil Nadu will not be forgotten."

Australian High Commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu tweeted: "A sad day. Deepest condolences to the people of Tamil Nadu and to the family of CM Jayalalithaa."

The Australian Consulate General in Chennai will also remain closed until further notice.

"The government of Tamil Nadu has declared a seven-day period of mourning. The Australian Consulate General will remain closed until further notice," said its official website.

Naushad Forbes, President of the Confederation of Indian Industry, said the country had lost a visionary, dynamic and inspiring leader.

"During her tenure as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the state has transformed and retained its leadership position as the most favoured investment destination in India with the presence of diverse industries," said Ramesh Kymal, Chairman of CII Tamil Nadu State Council.

--IANS

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