India’s Tamil Nadu Chief Minister 'Amma' Jayalalithaa dies after cardiac arrest

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has died at 68.

Her party - All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) - confirmed the news of her demise on Monday night.

"Our beloved leader, The Iron Lady of India Puratchi Thalaivi Amma is no more," it said in a Twitter message.

It also attached to the tweet a photo of a press release from Apollo Hospitals, where the former actress was on life support.

According to the release, Jayalalithaa, widely called 'Amma' (mother) by her supporters, passed away at 11:30pm.

The release said she was admitted to the hospital on Sep 9 with complaints of fever, dehydration and underlying co-morbidities.

 

Earlier in the evening, Apollo brushed aside a TV report about her death, which sparked trouble and mass frenzy both outside the hospital, where thousands had gathered since Sunday evening, and at the AIADMK headquarters.

Jayalalithaa suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening and continued to be on life support at the hospital in Chennai.

'Charismatic, popular'

Jayalalithaa's body will be kept at the Rajaji Hall for the people to pay their respects, said the AIADMK, which the actor-turned-politician headed for decades, according to IANS news agency,

As the nation mourned her death, the Tamil Nadu government declared seven days of mourning. Schools and colleges in the state will be closed for three days, it reported.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying homage to Jayalalithaa.

"One of India's most charismatic and popular leaders, Jayalalithaa was a visionary and able administrator," Pranab said.

Modi added: "Deeply saddened at the passing away of Jayalalithaa. Her demise has left a huge void in Indian politics."

Defining Jayalalithaa as a mass leader, Modi said in another tweet: "Jayalalithaaji's connect with citizens, concern for welfare of the poor, the women and marginalized will always be a source of inspiration."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said: "Popular, strong, bold, efficient, people- friendly, charismatic leader, Amma. Always at the heart of people. Big loss. I am shocked, saddened."

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar described her passing as "very saddening". He announced a day's mourning in his state.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: "Very sad to hear the demise of Amma. A very very popular leader. Aam Aadmi's leader. May her soul rest in peace."