Minutes after Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa was declared dead by doctors at Chennai’s Apollo Hospital, tweets poured in from eminent politicians of the country.
Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee tweeted expressing grief.
President Pranab Mukherjee tweeted, "Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Ms. Jayaram Jayalalithaa, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu #PresidentMukherjee.”
He remembered Jayalalithaa as “one of India’s most charismatic and popular leaders” and also as a visionary and an able administrator.
He credited Jayalalithaa for the progress and development of Tamil Nadu and described her as an icon who was loved and admired by millions.
“I will always cherish the innumerable occasions when I had the opportunity to interact with Jayalalithaa ji. May her soul rest in peace,” PM Narendra Modi tweeted.
In his subsequent tweets, PM Modi said, “Deeply saddened at the passing away of Selvi Jayalalithaa. Her demise has left a huge void in Indian politics.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Tamil Nadu in this hour of grief,” Modi added.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Deeply saddened to learn of the demise of Tamil Nadu CM,Selvi Jayalalithaa. She was a powerful voice for the weaker sections of the society."
Selvi Jayalalithaa was one of the most iconic political figures of India who had an enormous impact on the people of Tamil Nadu.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 5, 2016
Congress President Sonia Gandhi in a statement said, "I am deeply grieved to learn of the passing away of Selvi J Jayalalithaa. Selvi Jayalalithaa lived her entire life with the same indomitable courage with which she battled her last illness."
She added, "The Congress Party, my family and I personally, share the grief and pain of the people of Tamil Nadu and her devoted supporters in the AIADMK, who have lost their beloved 'Amma'."
Congress VP Rahul Gandhi also tweeted expressing grief over the six time CM’s death. “We lost a great leader today.Women,farmers,fishermen &the marginalised dreamt through her eyes.We will miss Jayalalithaa ji,Amma to millions,” Gandhi tweeted.
We lost a great leader today.Women,farmers,fishermen &the marginalised dreamt through her eyes.We will miss Jayalalithaa ji,Amma to millions
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 5, 2016
Leaders of the DMK, Jayalalithaa's arch rivals, also expressed their condolences and expressed their grief.
Leader of Opposition MK Stalin said, "I am deeply shocked and worried on the demise of Jayalalithaa. Though we had different political opinions in the state of affairs in TN, her loss will be irreparable to the state. I lead the DMK in mourning her loss and express deep condolences to the AIADMK cadres and people of the state who are deeply saddened by her loss."
Party MP Kanimozhi tweeted: "We've lost a leader with calibre and individuality."
Chief ministers of various states and across party lines also tweeted expressing their shock at the news of the AIADMK supremo's death.
V sad to hear the demise of Amma. A very very popular leader. Aam admi's leader. May her soul rest in peace.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 5, 2016
ഇന്ത്യ കണ്ട അസാധാരണത്വമാര്ന്ന രാഷ്ട്രീയ പ്രതിഭയായിരുന്നു തമിഴ്നാട് മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി ജയലളിത. സവിശേഷമായ നേതൃപാടവം,... https://t.co/GKNy82FgI9
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) December 5, 2016
Popular,strong,bold,efficient, people- friendly,charismatic leader,
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 5, 2016
Amma.Always at the heart of people. Big loss.I am shocked,saddened 1/2
I humbly urge the people of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK to face this big loss with courage and greatness. May she Rest in Peace 2/2
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 5, 2016
In deep anguish over the demise of Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa, a long-time friend & a leader with indomitable spirit who is loved by all.1/2
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) December 5, 2016
My deepest condolences to her well-wishers & supporters. She will remain in our memories as leader who truly cared for people. (2/2)
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) December 5, 2016