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| Edited By: DNA Web Team |Source: DNA webdesk |Updated: Dec 06, 2016, 10:14 PM IST
Lakhs of grieving men and women bid a tearful adieu to J Jayalalithaa on Tuesday, the charismatic Chief Minister who held sway over Tamil Nadu politics for more than three decades with a pro-poor image, as the AIADMK supremo was buried here with full state honours.
President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, his counterparts from several states, Governor Vidyasagar Rao, DMK leader MK Stalin and superstar Rajnikanth were among the dignitaries who paid homage at Rajaji Hall where the body of 68-year-old Jayalalithaa lay in state since early morning.
Sasikala Natarajan, the close confidante of Jayalalithaa for over three decades, was beside the body throughout the day and later conducted the religious rituals before the sandalwood casket was lowered at a site close to MGR memorial on the shores of Marina beach.
(With PTI inputs)
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Death certificate of #jayalalithaa, who passed away last night after a cardiac arrest. pic.twitter.com/M8ujeJSbpT
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
Kerela declares three days of mourning as mark of respect.
#Chennai: Amidst 21 gun salute, the departed leader #Jayalalithaa laid to rest with full state honours. pic.twitter.com/gKrlwP7FHn
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) December 6, 2016
Over two tonne of flowers from several destinations were used by about 40 workers who worked for 10 hours to prepare the Army truck and gun carriage for the final journey of Jayalalithaa.
The flowers were of two varieties, one being the decorative kind, including cut flowers like zebra plant, asparagus and daisy and the other, more traditional varieties like rose and white marigold (Vellai samandi in Tamil).
Working at a brisk pace, knitting garlands to decorate the army truck and gun-carriage, Velu, a senior florist from Koyambedu market told PTI, "The choice of flowers should sync with the sombre mood on the occasion, that is the most important thing."
He said a total of "well over 2,000 kilos of flowers" were used for making garlands and flower hangings. The garlands were used to on the army truck, the gun carriage and the memorial site for Jayalalithaa, he added.
Cut flowers and marigold were sourced from different destinations, including Bengaluru, he said.
"40 of us have been working since 3 AM today knitting the flower garlands, piecing together cut-flowers and giving it the required shape and look."
Although the task was quite laborious, he said, "We are satisfied to see that it soothes people who are grieved over the demise of Amma."
- PTI
Burial of #jayalalithaa's mortal remains completed at MGR Memorial, Marina Beach (Chennai), she passed away yesterday after a cardiac arrest pic.twitter.com/cyox3HvHat
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
Jayalalithaa's casket lowered into ground.
Jayalalithaa being buried with full military honours.
Sasikala Natarajan, #jayalalithaa's close aide, takes part in rituals of the last rites ceremony at Marina Beach (Chennai) pic.twitter.com/NKXWpvFvZo
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
Last rites ceremony of #jayalalithaa underway at MGR Memorial, Marina Beach (Chennai); to be buried. pic.twitter.com/2n4GPI1yLZ
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
Sasikala performing the final rites.
Rahul Gandhi pays last respect to Jayalalithaa.
Senior leaders like OPS, Venkiah Naidu and Pon Radhakrishnan pay final respect to Jayalalithaa.
Madras Regiment gives gun salute to Jayalalithaa.
State honour being given to J Jayalalithaa.
The casket has been set down near the burial spot.
Akhilesh Yadav arrives at Marina Beach for Jayalalithaa's funeral.
Mortal remains of J Jayalalithaa to be kept in sandalwood casket.
Seven day state mourning declared in Tamil Nadu.
Lakh of Amma supporters gather to gather tribute to Jayalalithaa at Marina.
Watch funeral procession of J Jayalalithaa.
#WATCH: Funeral procession of #Jayalalithaa underway, to be buried at MGR memorial, Marina Beach in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/8G87nNsiix
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
Chennai: Funeral procession of #Jayalalithaa, who passed away last night after suffering a cardiac arrest. pic.twitter.com/H9sKcAvm74
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
Chennai: Mortal remains of #jayalalithaa being taken from Rajaji Hall to Marina Beach for final rites, huge crowd seen pic.twitter.com/F4UYzguQrB
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
Tamil Nadu: Congress VP Rahul Gandhi pays floral tribute to #Jayalalithaa at Rajaji Hall in Chennai.
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
President Pranab Mukherjee pays tribute to #Jayalalithaa at Rajaji Hall in Chennai.
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
The last rites are scheduled to take place tentatively at around 4.30 PM.
Chennai: Visuals from Marina beach, where last rites ceremony of #JJayalalitha will take place. Helicopters deployed for aerial surveillance pic.twitter.com/ILDmmvg6A3
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
Chennai: Burial of #Jayalalithaa's mortal remains to take place at MGR memorial, Marina Beach pic.twitter.com/gqH0QjAII4
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
Senior DMK leader MK Stalin and Congress VP Rahul Gandhi have also paid their last respects to J Jayalalithaa
Tamil Nadu: DMK leader MK Stalin at Rajaji Hall in Chennai to pay his last respects to #Jayalalithaa (Earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/PJs679EswR
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
Tamil Nadu: Congress VP Rahul Gandhi reaches Chennai to pay his last respects to #Jayalalithaa pic.twitter.com/lEqt3X8SAa
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
Former PM Manmohan Singh reaches Rajaji Hall in Chennai to pay his last respects to Jayalalithaa.
Karnataka CM Siddharamaiah has reached Rajaji Hall in Chennai to pay his last respects to Jayalalithaa.
Tamil Nadu: Karnataka CM Siddharamaiah reaches Rajaji Hall in Chennai to pay his last respects to #Jayalalithaa pic.twitter.com/Dz60L8uX1U
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
#WATCH: PM Modi pays his last respects to #Jayalalithaa at Rajaji Hall in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/Wass8nxUpv
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
#WATCH: Supporters in Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) shave their heads in mourning after #Jayalalithaa's demise pic.twitter.com/BBaGFsRZyF
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
I am shocked. #Jayalalithaa was my co-star in film 'Izzat'. When I heard she is not well, prayed for her well being: Actor Dharmendra pic.twitter.com/097b5ZcjEq
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
PM Narendra Modi arrives in Chennai, will pay floral tributes to J Jayalalithaa.
#JJayalalithaa was not only strong, but also a good administrator; It's a big setback for politics: Sumitra Mahajan, LS Speaker pic.twitter.com/OPOvaQDhuS
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha adjourned for the day after obituary reference to Jayalalithaa.
#WATCH: President Pranab Mukherjee condoles the passing away of #JJayalalithaa pic.twitter.com/rXmSn4cfeb
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
As preparations are underway at MGR Memorial at Marina beach for last rites ceremony of Jayalalithaa, people mourn her demise.
Kejriwal to visit Chennai, pay tributes to Jayalalithaa
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Chennai.
"The Delhi Chief Minister will reach Chennai around 12.30 PM and pay tributes to Jayalalithaa at Rajajji Hall," said a senior Delhi government official.
"V sad to hear the demise of Amma. A very very popular leader. Aam admi's leader. May her soul rest in peace," Kejriwal tweeted.
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
Centre declares state mourning today in view of demise of TN CM Jayalalithaa. National flag on all government buildings to be flown at half-mast. Centre to accord state funeral to Jayalalithaa.
Top BJP leaders pay tributes to Jayalalithaa
"Saddened by the demise of Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa ji. I extend my deepest condolences to her party and followers in this hour of grief," BJP President Amit Shah said.
Saddened by the demise of Tamil Nadu CM J.Jayalalithaa ji. I extend my deepest condolences to her party and followers in this hour of grief.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 5, 2016
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said she created Brand Amma, a different kind of pro-poor politics.
"Jayalalithaa was very popular leader, able administrator. Her connect with people was enormous and unique She created "Brand Amma", a different kind of pro poor politics. My heartfelt condolences," he said.
#Jayalalithaa was very popular leader, able administrator. Her connect with people was enormous and unique. (1/2)
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) December 6, 2016
Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Jayalalithaa was a powerful voice for the weaker sections of the society.
"She always worked for the benefit of the poor and needy. She has left an indelible mark in Tamil Nadu politics with her enduring legacy. Selvi Jayalalithaa was one of the most iconic political figures of India who had an enormous impact on the people of Tamil Nadu."
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.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 5, 2016
After paying homage to Babasaheb Ambedkar at Parliament House, PM Modi to leave for Chennai to pay homage to Jayalalithaa.
Kerala mourns Jaya, govt offices to remain shut
Government offices and educational institutions in Kerala will remain shut on Tuesday as a mark of respect to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who passed away after a prolonged illness.
In a press statement, the government declared a holiday today for all government offices, including state owned Public Sector Undertakings and educational institutions.
Jayalalithaa will be accorded state funeral. Flags will be flown at half mast. And no ceremonial functions will be organised.
DMK chief M Karunanidhi condoles Jayalalithaa's death; says her fame will remain forever.
— KalaignarKarunanidhi (@kalaignar89) December 6, 2016
Devastating loss to the state and the nation. J Jayalalitha was an iconic leader. A humane visionary. A personal friend for years. Will miss her presence immensely: Preetha Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals.
Union Ministers Venkaiah Naidu and Pon Radhakrishnan will represent the Central government at the funeral of J Jayalalithaa in Chennai.
P Chidambaram on Jayalalithaa's demise
Jayalalithaa was most dominant political personality of Tamilnadu in last 25 years. Share grief of millions
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) December 6, 2016
Jayalalithaa acquired large loyal following that equalled that of her mentor MGR
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) December 6, 2016
She brought a hard uncompromising style to politics and governance that won praise and criticism
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) December 6, 2016
Tamilnadu was regarded as among the better governed States
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) December 6, 2016
AIADMK must carry on and provide a government for remaining over 4 years
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) December 6, 2016
Supporters gather at Rajaji Hall in Chennai to pay their last tributes.
Jayalalithaa's demise is a big loss to country. She was an able administrator who had conviction and courage: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu
#WATCH Mortal remains of #Jayalalithaa reaches Rajaji Hall in Chennai (Tamil Nadu), last tributes being paid. pic.twitter.com/Jn1UM7AlmZ
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 6, 2016
