Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa passes away, Apollo Hospital issues final statement

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK chief J.Jayalalithaa passed away late Monday night after prolonged illness. She was 68.

Jayalalithaa had been admitted to Apollo Hospitals in Chennai since September 22 this year. Her condition had normalised over the last few days, but deteriorated again on Sunday night.

The news of her demise was first reported by local news channels around 5 pm. But, Apollo Hospital was quick to dismiss rumours about her death and issued a release stating that her condition was still critical.

However just before midnight, the hospital issued their final statement confirming Jayalalithaa’s demise at 11:30 pm.

The hospital had previously stated that the CM had suffered a cardiac arrest and medical specialists from UK and Delhi were being consulted to provide her the best possible care.

On Monday morning, AIADMK statement had said that the CM was feeling well and her discharge would happen soon.

However, in the wake of the announcement on Sunday, police and other security forces had been deployed across major cities and neighbouring areas to maintain law and order situation in the state.

Thousands gathered outside Apollo Hospitals after her condition was declared critical. Many were seen crying and praying for her speedy recovery.

As a result, local police put up barricades around the hospital premises. Security forces are also present in heavy numbers near the hospital and sensitive areas across the state.

The neighbouring state, Karnataka, is also on high alert. Bus service between the two states has also been suspended since Monday morning.

After the news of her demise was aired on local channels, a scuffle broke out between her supporters and police forces, where the latter had to resort to lathi charge. The situation was later brought under control after the hospital put the rumours to rest.

The actor-turned-politician was one of the most enigmatic and prolific personalities in Indian politics.

Born on February 24, 1948, Jayalalithaa appeared in over 100 films between 1961-80. She entered politics in the footsteps of her co-star and mentor M G Ramachandran.

Jayalalithaa, or ‘Amma’ as she was popularly referred to, led AIADMK in 1984 Lok Sabha and Tamil Nadu assembly elections – winning the Assembly polls for the party.

She led the party to victory in 1991 and went on the become the youngest chief minister in the country. She ruled for six terms and dominated the state’s political arena for nearly three decades.

Update: Jayalalithaa’s aide O Panneerselvam to be sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM shortly. Schools and colleges across state to remain closed for three days.