Tamil Nadu's beloved Chief Minister Jayalalithaa passed away late on Monday. Her supporters are mourning the loss of the long-running politician, who was also popular by the name of Amma (mother) and Puratchi Thalaivi (revolutionary leader).
A seven-day state mourning has already been declared by Tamil Nadu government. Schools and colleges will remain closed for three days and Tuesday has been declared as a public holiday in the state.
Jayalalithaa was considered the benevolent matriarch of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Tamil Nadu and its millions of people. Her populist schemes, like freebies and subsidised medicine, food, water, seeds and cement, led to her popularity.
Jayalalithaa was in hospital for over 70 days with a lung ailment and suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday. She was only 68 years old and had many more years ahead of her as the head of Tamil Nadu.
Jayalalithaa also broke the pattern of AIADMK and DMK alternatively forming the government in the state in the last decade. Her party won the assembly elections twice in a row when they were declared victorious in 2016.
Amma's funeral will be held at Chennai's Marina Beach at 4.30 pm on Tuesday. She will be laid to rest next to her mentor MG Ramachandran's memorial.
The nation is mourning the loss of an iconic leader and if you want to pay your tributes to Jayalalithaa then you can share your message in the comment box below. The most touching messages will be shared on International Business Times, India.
