Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa dies, supporters mourn loss

Apollo Hospitals in a release said: "It was with indescribable grief we announce the sad demise of our esteemed Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma at 1130 PM today."

The AIADMK also confirmed the death of the leader and tweeted: "Our beloved leader, The Iron Lady of India Puratchi Thalaivi Amma is no more."

Jayalalaithaa was 68 when the end came.

State Finance Minister O Panneerselvam, who earlier was the chief minister twice when Jayalalalithaa had to step aside for her corruption cases, will now lead the party in the state assembly.

All India Radio also tweeted: O. Panneerselvam elected as new CM of #TamilNadu."

The southern leader, who was also a top heroine of Tamil film industry before she joined politics full time, was declared dead by the Hospital which said the end came at 1130 pm.

Security has been beefed up across Tamil Nadu as her supporters were restive all day and at one point broke barricades in front of the hospital. Heavy police deployment has been made.

Jayalalithaa was in Apollo Hospital since Sept 22 and then suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening and was put on an extracorporeal membrane heart assist device, a life support system that aids heart and lung functioning.

Jayalalithaa Jayaraman  was born on 24 February 1948 and was popularly and fondly referred to as Amma and Puratchi Thalaivi by members in her party.

While she last assumed the office of CM in 2015, she previously served as Chief Minister from 1991 to 1996, in 2001, from 2002 to 2006 and from 2011 to 2014.

Meanwhile, political leaders have started sharing their thoughts on the death of the leader.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the rest of the nation in remembering the leader.

President of India's official Twitter page said: "One of India’s most charismatic & popular leaders, Ms. Jayalalithaa was a visionary & able administrator #PresidentMukherjee."

"Her life was dedicated to the socio-economic transformation of Tamil Nadu and its people #PresidentMukherjee," he said.

The President said: "In her passing away, the nation has lost an icon who was loved and admired by millions #PresidentMukherjee."

"Her contribution to the progress and development of Tamil Nadu will be long remembered #PresidentMukherjee," read another tweet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and said her demise left a huge void in Indian politics.

"Deeply saddened at the passing away of Selvi Jayalalithaa. Her demise has left a huge void in Indian politics," Modi tweeted.

He said: "Jayalalithaa ji’s connect with citizens, concern for welfare of the poor, the women & marginalized will always be a source of inspiration."

Modi said: "My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Tamil Nadu in this hour of grief."

He said: "May the Almighty grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss with courage and fortitude."

In his last tweet, the PM said: "I will always cherish the innumerable occasions when I had the opportunity to interact with Jayalalithaa ji. May her soul rest in peace."

Union 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."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, "Popular,strong,bold,efficient, people- friendly,charismatic leader, Amma.Always at the heart of people. Big loss.I am shocked,saddened."

She said: "I humbly urge the people of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK to face this big loss with courage and greatness. May she Rest in Peace."

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal posted: "V sad to hear the demise of Amma. A very very popular leader. Aam admi's leader. May her soul rest in peace."

Cine star turned Congress leader Khushboo said: "Amma will be missed by everyone. You rarely come across someone like her who lived life on her terms." 

"She went away too soon," she said.