Jayalalithaa dies at 68: Sportspersons including Saina, Sreesanth, Sehwag pay condolences on Twitter

One of the popular political figures of the country, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, who joined AIADMK at the age of 34, took her last breath on Monday. Referred as 'Amma' by her supporters, she died aged 68 after her 73 day-battle with life in the hospital. She was admitted to Apollo Hospitala in Chennai on September 22 after complaints of fever and dehydration.

Ever since the official news regarding her death came to the forefront, well-known people including celebs and sportspersons paid tribute to the loved politician. Saina Nehwal, Virender Sehwag, Sreesanth and Harsha Bhogle were people from the sports arena to pay their rich tributes on Twitter.

Though, around 7 pm, there were reports, which stated that Jayalalithaa was dead, officials at Apollo Hospitals cleared the air, stating it to be fake. Hence, the mood around the hospital, which was crowded with Amma's supporters were emotional, some already with tears in their eyes, as the hospital had informed the public about her deteriorating health.

However, her death was confirmed at 11.30 pm as the Apollo Hospitals released the statement. "It is with indescribable grief we announce the sad demise of our esteemed honourable chief minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalavi Amma at 11.30 pm today (5.12.2016). Our honourable chief minister Selvi J Jayalalithaawas admitted on 22.9.2016 with complaints of fever and dehydration and underlying comorbidities. The honourable chief minister subsequently recovered substantially to be able to take food orally."

"On this basis honorable chief minister was shifted from the advanced critical care unit to the high dependency unit where her health and vitals continued to improve under the close monitoring by our expert panel of specialists."

With her death, an era of Indian politics has come to an end, and the void will be difficult to fill.

Tweets from sportspersons