Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa passes away at 68
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Ms Jayalalithaa, who had been kept in life support systems at the Apollo hospital, Chennai, passed away. She was 68. The Apollo Hospitals declared her to be dead at 11:30 PM last night.
Jayalalithaa’s trusted aide O Panneerselvam took oath as the new CM late night along with other Ministers. Governor Vidyasagar Rao administered oath of office and secrecy to him and others after observing a two minute silence.
A seven-day state mourning has been declared in Tamil Nadu. Schools and Colleges will remain closed for three days. Her mortal remains were taken to Poes Garden at around 2:30 AM. The body will be kept at the Rajaji Hall for the public to pay respects.
The former film star and four-time Chief Minister, who has been referred as “Amma” (mother) by her supporters, was admitted to the hospital on complaints of high fever and dehydration on the night of September 22nd. She was administered Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after her condition became a cause for concern.
Hundreds of Jayalalithaa’s supporters have been outside the hospital overnight, and the crowds swelled after the latest statements from doctors, with people wailing and weeping and praying for their leader’s soul to rest in peace.
In view of the situation, Director General of Police T.K.Rajendran held a meeting with the counterparts of neighbouring States to take control of the law and order situation. Leaders cutting across political party lines have expressed their condolences.
While condoling Jaya’s demise, PM Modi tweeted, “Jayalalithaa ji’s connect with citizens, concern for welfare of the poor, the women & marginalized will always be a source of inspiration.”
Chennai city is witnessing a steady line of party cadres from various districts.
Jayalalitha was born on 24 February 1948, at Melukote, in Pandavapura taluka, Mandya district, then in Mysore State (now Karnataka) to Jayaram and Vedavalli in a Tamil Iyengar Brahmin family.
In 1982, Jayalalitha joined the political party AIADMK, which was founded by legendary leader Ramachandran.
Jayalalitha became the first female, and the youngest, Chief Minister, of Tamil Nadu, to serve a full term, serving from 24 June 1991 to 12 May 1996. She also held the office during 14 May 2001 – 21 September 2001; 2 March 2002 – 12 May 2006; 16 May 2011 – 29 September 2014 and 23 May 2015 – till her last breath.
Jayalalitha’s populist welfare schemes include Amma Unavagam (Canteens), Amma Marundagam (Pharmacies), Amma Kaipesi Thittam (Mobile Phone Scheme), Amma Kudineer Thittam (Mineral Water Scheme), Amma Seeds, Amma Cement Scheme, Amma Master Health Check-up among others.