PM Modi to leave for Chennai to pay homage to J Jayalalithaa

‘Every possible clinical attempt was made to sustain her revival.

Thousands gathered outside Apollo Hospitals after her condition was declared critical. Schools, colleges, offices and businesses were to be closed for the next three days, which have been designated a public holiday in the South Indian state.

President, vice president, prime minister, ministers, Congress leaders and other parties’ leader condoled the death of popular Tamil leader.

Famed for a vast sari collection that won her comparisons with Imelda Marcos, Jayalalithaa was also one of India’s most polarising politicians, seen by some as an autocratic and secretive leader.

Earlier this evening, rumors that the CM is no more was announced in mainstream news channels of Tamil Nadu.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar described her death as “very saddening”.

Despite numerous controversies surrounding her political career, Jayalalithaa has long enjoyed a cult-like following in the state, largely due to her populist and pro-poor schemes. She was the second female CM of Tamil Nadu after Janaki Ramachandran. She joined the AIADMK party in 1982 and was nominated as its Rajya Sabha Member in 1984. I pay my heartfelt tributes to the departed soul.

“I humbly urge the people of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK to face this big loss with courage and greatness”. However Apollo immediately denied the reports and said that she was still in life support. “We will miss Jayalalithaa ji, Amma to millions”.

The release said she was admitted to the hospital on Sep 9 with complaints of fever, dehydration and underlying co-morbidities. The police had to resort to baton charge to bring the situation under control.

As a result, local police put up barricades around the hospital premises.

All 136 MLAs of the AIADMK, including Mr Pannerselvam himself, attended the meeting and highly placed sources said there was no decision on the General Secretary of the party, the post that Ms Jayalalithaa held.

It is learnt Jayalalithaa’s body will be taken to her residence at Poes Garden first. It was then revealed that the treatment regimen included continued respiratory support, nebulisation, medicine to decongest the lungs, antibiotics, nutrition, general nursing care and supportive therapy”. Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu also paid his last respect. He is also however known to be close to Jayalalithaa’s confidante Sasikala.

In no time, the AIADMK legislators elected Finance Minister and long-time Jayalalithaa loyalist O. Panneerselvam to succeed the departed leader.

She was accused of corruption on several occasions, and spent two short spells in prison – most recently in 2014.