Amma’s era over: Sasikala to take over the reins of AIADMK?

She was admitted to the hospital on September 22, after she complained of fever and dehydration.

President Pranab Mukherjee, whose arrival in Chennai was delayed by a technical snag in his plane, too paid tribute to Jayalalithaa. She started the immensely popular Amma Canteens where food was mostly subsided, along with Amma brand subsidy-oriented schemes like Amma Mineral Water, Amma cement and Amma salt. While supplies of essential items were not obstructed, few vehicles plied on the almost deserted roads of Chennai. Tamil Nadu will be observing seven-day mourning.

In such a state of confusion, reports indicate that Sasikala Natarajan, the trusted friend of Jayalalithaa, is likely to be the next General Secretary of the AIADMK.

The late Jayalalithaa was dressed in a green sari – green was the leader’s favourite and lucky colour.

At least one lakh police personnel were deployed across the state to ensure peace and stability.

The casket containing her body was closed and is lowered into the pit. Although it was earlier reported that Jayalalithaa would be cremated at Marina Beach at 4:30 PM, it was later revealed that the late AIADMK supremo would be buried.

I am saddened by the news of the demise of the honourable Chief Minister of the state of Tamil Nadu Ms. J. Jayalalithaa. Similar numbers are expected for Jayalalithaa.

The state government also declared a holiday on Tuesday to mourn the death. Schools and colleges will remain closed for three days.

The neighbouring union territory of Puducherry has also announced a holiday for all government offices and educational institutions today as a mark of respect to Jayalalithaa.

“In her sad demise, India has lost a unique leader, who touched the lives of millions of people”. She was born in 1948 and rose to stardom as a child actor but her political breakthrough came in the 80s when she joined hands with Ramachandran, an actor-turned-politician himself.

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa Jayaraman died Monday following hospitalization due to a heart attack over the weekend, officials said.