With the funeral of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa set to take place soon, many political leaders, film stars and other dignitaries from across the country have paid tributes to her. Her mortal remains had been kept at Rajaji Hall in Chennai for exactly that purpose.
Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospitals in Chennai on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration. It later transpired that she had suffered from a lung infection, leading doctors to perform a tracheotomy on her. She was said to have fully recovered, and was almost ready to return home when she suffered a cardiac arrest late on Sunday, which led to her death late on Monday.
PM Modi
On Tuesday, Jayalalithaa's mortal remains were kept at Rajaji Hall, where people paid their last tributes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Rajaji Hall with Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao. He also met current TN Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and Sasikala, who broke down upon seeing him.
Modi paid a white floral tribute to Jayalalithaa.
President Pranab Mukherjee
As had been announced early on Tuesday morning, President Pranab Mukherjee arrived at Rajaji Hall to pay his tributes to Jayalalithaa. He would also attend the funeral.
The Trinamool leaders
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would not attend Jayalalithaa's funeral. Her party MPs Derek O'Brien and Kalyan Banerjee would be in attendance.
Congress leaders
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, after paying his tribute, said: "I join millions of admirers of Jayalalithaa ji in mourning her sad and untimely demise. She was a charismatic leader who will be remembered forever as the beloved Amma by the people of Tamil Nadu. She was an outstanding leader who was passionately devoted to the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu."
Subsequently, Rahul Gandhi reached Rajaji Hall and paid his tributes to the AIADMK leader.
Chief ministers
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik visited Rajaji Hall in Chennai to pay their last tributes to Jayalalithaa.
