In images: Thousands turn up to pay respect to Jayalalithaa at Rajaji Hall in Chennai

The body of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa who passed away late on Monday, was kept at Chennai's Rajaji Hall on Tuesday morning, for people to pay their last respects.

Thousands of supporters thronged the area on Tuesday morning to pay their tributes to the former Chief Minister.

The 68-year-old Jayalalithaa, who was in Apollo Hospitals since September 22, suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday and died on Monday at 11.30 pm.

Present CM O Paneerselvam along with many AIADMK leaders, were present at the hall throughout the ceremony.

Sasikala Natarajan, a confidant and close aide of Jayalalithaa was also present.

The funeral is expected to take place at 4.30 pm on Tuesday at the Dr MGR Memorial Site, Kamarajar Salai, Marina Beach, Chennai.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to be present.

Modi will leave for Chennai at 9.30 am. He will visit Rajaji Hall and lay wreath on the mortal remains of Jayalalithaa, who died after a bitter 74-day battle for life.

Here are some images from Tuesday morning.

IANS inputs

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