Amma no more: Jayalalithaa buried next to mentor MGR
Follow Live updates: J Jayalalithaa was buried in Marina Beach.
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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Follow Live updates: J Jayalalithaa was buried in Marina Beach.
Kerela declares three days of mourning as mark of respect.
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
Jayalalithaa's casket lowered into ground.
Jayalalithaa being buried with full military honours.
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
Former PM Manmohan Singh reaches Rajaji Hall in Chennai to pay his last respects to Jayalalithaa.
#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
PM Narendra Modi arrives in Chennai, will pay floral tributes to J Jayalalithaa.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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