Condolences pour in from countries over Jaya’s demise

Wailing women, distraught crowds and a state in mourning. Two years later in general elections, after Rajiv was assassinated in Sri Perumbudur in Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa and Congress fought together as a coalition. May her soul rest in peace. A revolutionary leader addressed as Amma by the whole nation, she definitely had the quality of a loving mother. Subramanian Swamy, then a Janata Party leader, filed a case of disproportionate assets against her in 1996.

He has led tributes to the former film star who served as Tamil Nadu chief minister four times. That rule applied to Amma as well. I have no clue on what she based this conviction. The question is whether her role will be formalised now. She has also not given personal loans or advances to any person or entity, the affidavit stated. “I express my condolences to her loved ones and the people of Tamil Nadu”, Sirisena said. As one of her MLAs rushed towards Karunanidhi’s desk, he lost his balance and fell; DMK legislators dismantled the microphones and threw them at the opposition members, who flung slippers and books in response; one of Jayalalithaa’s MLAs tore the budget papers in half.

One elderly woman screamed and beat her head repeatedly with her hands, banging herself against the police barricades around the grave.

That Jayalalithaa was a rebel and keen to break the traditional moulds became visible during early years of her film career. She lived up to her word on many occasions such as when the GST Bill was passed in Parliament. Even leaders from other political parties admired her, for the kind of courage she had.

In fact, the BJP’s approval of Sasikala being the de facto inheritor of Jaya’s legacy and her family helping her stay in control has been all too evident in the last few days.

The same fortitude held her in good stead when she opposed Karunanidhi’s budget presentation in 1989. She had been snubbed and abused.

The popular leader of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state was in critical condition after undergoing surgery Monday hours after suffering a heart attack, the hospital said.

She gave voice to the voiceless and empowered the powerless. With her demise, the legacy she built is hanging with a thin thread of uncertainty.

In her place, the BJP now has a low weight and hardly articulate O Panneerselvam and an unelected Sasikala Natarajan, who owe part of their power to the Centre.

Called “Chinnamma”, (Younger Amma) by her supporters she undoubtedly wielded significant clout in the party and continues to do so.

Naidu also met top leadership of AIADMK, including party legislators, during the day, sources said.

All her supporters are praying for her health and wishing her a speedy recovery. It reinforced her brand equity. Only time will tell how Amma is ultimately immortalised, remembered and revered.

At the moment, the grief and loss are palpable.