President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Union Ministers, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and various other top leaders tonight condoled Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's demise and paid glowing tributes to her.
Jayalalithaa passed away tonight at a private hospital in Chennai after battling for life for 75 days.
"Deeply saddened at the passing away of Jayalalithaa; her demise has left a huge void in Indian politics," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted soon after the news of her death broke.
"I will always cherish the innumerable occasions when I had the opportunity to interact with Jayalalithaa ji. May her soul rest in peace," he said.
Expressing grief at the passing away of the stalwart of Tamil Nadu politics, President Pranab Mukherjee said, "Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Ms. Jayaram Jayalalithaa, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu."
"One of India's most charismatic and popular leaders, Ms. Jayalalithaa was a visionary and able administrator. Her life was dedicated to the socio-economic transformation of Tamil Nadu and its people," the President said.
"In her passing away, the nation has lost an icon who was loved and admired by millions. Her contribution to the progress and development of Tamil Nadu will be long remembered," he said.
Vice President Hamid Ansari also condoled her death, saying Jayalalithaa's demise is an "irreparable loss to the people of India".
"An eminent public figure, a charismatic personality, she had immense influence over the political developments in Tamil Nadu as well as the national level.
"As Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, her contributions towards the economic development of the state and social welfare of the poorer segments will be long remembered and cherished. Her death is an irreparable loss to the people of India," Ansari said.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi, while condoling Jayalalithaa's death, said, "I am deeply grieved to learn the passing of Selvi J Jayalalithaa.
"Selvi Jayalalithaa lived her entire life with the same indomitable courage with which she battled her illness. As the leader of AIADMK and four-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, she had a unique and deep empathy with the needs and hopes of the people, and put in place policies that immeasurably improved their lives.
"Whether it was her welfare schemes for the rural and urban poor, her swift relief measures in the aftermath of tsunami, or her vision of Tamil Nadu's industrial development, her leadership qualities and administratively abilities were truly outstanding," Sonia said.
Sonia hailed her as a "towering figure in our national and political life, who won admiration across the political sepctrum for the intrepid spirit with which she faced the ups and downs of her life in politics."
In his tweet, condoling Jayalalithaa's demise, Rahul Gandhi said, "We lost a great leader today. Women, farmers, fishermen and the marginalised dreamt through her eyes. We will miss Jayalalithaa ji, Amma to millions.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed sadness at the
passing away of Jayalalithaa, saying, "She was a powerful voice for the weaker sections of the society."
"She always worked for the benefit of the poor and needy. She has left an indelible mark in Tamil Nadu politics with her enduring legacy. Selvi Jayalalithaa was one of the most iconic political figures of India who had an enormous impact on the people of Tamil Nadu," Singh said.
"I pay my heartfelt tributes to the departed soul. I also appeal to the people of Tamil Nadu to remain calm in this hour of grief," he said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also condoled the passing away of Jayalilthaa.
"A popular, bold, efficient, people-friendly charismatic leader Amma, always at the heart of people. Big loss, I am shocked, saddened," Banerjee said in a tweet.
"I humbly urge the people of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK to face this big loss with courage and greatness. May she rest in peace," the Trinamool Congress supremo said.
Expressing grief, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thawar Chand Gehlot said, "Deeply saddened to learn of the demise of Tamil Nadu CM, Selvi Jayalalithaa. Iron Lady in politics so far, has left a vacuum."
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy also expressed grief at her death.
"Jayalalithaa has done a lot of good work for the development of Tamil Nadu and for the welfare of the people. I mourn her death personally and also on behalf of the people of the union territory," he said.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a tweet, said, "Very sad to hear the demise of Amma. A very very popular leader. Aam aadmi's leader. May her soul rest in peace."
Condoling her death, BJP President Amit Shah said, "Saddened by the demise of Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa ji. I extend my deepest condolences to her party and followers in this hour of grief.
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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he was saddened to know about the demise of "one of the greatest women leaders, Jayalalithaaji."
"Very few people get the kind of love, affection and support she got from the people. She's one of those few and it is very rare."
"Jayalalithaaji's work for the people is inspiring. May her soul rest in peace," he tweeted.
"My deepest condolences to the people of Tamil Nadu," Fadnavis said.
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Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu mourned the demise of Jayalalithaa.
In his condolence message, Khandu expressed his grief of losing "one of the most charismatic, influential and dedicated leaders ever produced by the country".
"Lovingly called Amma, who worked for the poor and the downtrodden she left behind a political legacy to cherish," Khandu said.
"I believe, leaving this mortal world will not diminish the love and affection showered on her by the people and her soul will remain immortal," the chief minister said.
Khandu also prayed to Lord Buddha to bestow O Pannerselvam, who was sworn in as the Chief Minister hours after Jayalalithaa's demise, with the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Gujarat Governor O P Kohli and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today paid rich tributes to Jayalalithaa.
Expressing heartfelt condolences for the popular Chief Moinister of Tamil Nadu, Rupani in his message said she made a special place in the heart of every citizen of southern state.
Her death is a great loss to not just her party AIADMK, but also for all the people of Tamil Nadu, he said.
Expressing deep grief over the death of the 67-year-old Chief Minister, Kohli stated in his condolence message that she was a multi-talented human being and a popular leader of Tamil Nadu.
Citizens will always remember her pro-people work, he said.
Describing Jayalalithaa as "people-friendly charismatic leader", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee her demise is a "big loss".
She urged the people of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK to face this big loss with courage and greatness.
"Popular, strong, bold, efficient, Amma. Always at the heart of people. I am shocked, saddened," Banerjee said in her message.
Two TMC MPs - Derek Obrien and Kalyan Benerjee will attend the funeral in Chennai.
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West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi said Jayalalithaa worked for the welfare of women and the poor.
She was a cultural personality and was a versatile actress before joining politics, he said.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje tweeted: "Deeply saddened by the demise of Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa ji. I join the nation in mourning the loss of an icon -- a leader of the masses."
Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehot said she was a true leader of the poor and the marginalised. Her death has left a void, which cannot be filled.
"It is the end of an era in Indian politics and in Tamil Nadu's life and society," he said.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said Jayalalithaa was "the people's chief minister" and her death is "the biggest loss to the political process of the country".
"It is a sad day for the entire country. Jayalalithaa was a great personality. I believe she was one of the most learned leaders of our country. The void she left is hard to fill," she said.
The former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister was a leader of masses and will be long remembered for introducing many innovative schemes and programmes for public welfare. She was a godmother for the women of her state, she said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Jayalalithaa was one of the greatest women leaders. "Very few people get the kind of love, affection and support she got from people. She's one of those few," he said in his condolence message.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said India lost a powerful leader who stood as an inspiration for many in public life.
"In deep anguish over the demise of Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa, a long-time friend & a leader with indomitable spirit who is loved by all. My deepest condolences to her well-wishers & supporters. She will remain in our memories as leader who truly cared for people," he tweeted.
YSR Congress president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy said Jayalalithaa rode like a "colossus on the Dravidian political canvass".
He said she will be remembered for her resoluteness, fighting spirit and pro-poor policies. In her death, the country in general and Tamil Nadu in particular lost a great orator, able administrator and a mass leader.
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TRS MP K Kavitha said Jayalalithaa was an inspiration to people including her and emerged stronger despite facing many challenges.
Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury described her as the most powerful chief minister in the country and said she will remain immortal.
MNS president Raj Thackeray termed he an embodiment of regional pride and "iron lady" of politics. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said the country had lost a shining star on political horizon in the passing away of Jayalalithaa.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar in a tweet said, "Deeply saddened to know about the passing away of Jayalalithaa. She will always be remembered as Amma of the masses.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar also expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of Jayalalithaa.
Haryana government observed a one-day state mourning as a mark of respect to the departed leader. The National Flag was flying at half-mast.
The Jharkhand government also declared one day state mourning even as several leaders including former chief minister Arjun Munda, and Babulal Marandi expressed their condolonce.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and working president Omar Abdullah expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of Jayalalithaa.
Nagaland Governor P B Acharya and Chief Minister T R Zeliang also condoled her death.
Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh expressed his grief over her death.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat visited Tamil Nadu House in Delhi to condole her death by garlanding her picture. Governor K K Paul said it was a great loss for politics as well as society.
Chhatisgarh Governor Balramji Das Tandon and Chief Minister Raman Singh also expressed deepcondolenceon demise of Jayalalithaa.
