Bhubaneswar: Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik and other State leaders today expressed shock and deep condolence over the death of Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa at the age 68.
"I am deeply shocked at the passing away of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Selvi J Jayalalithaa. She was a leader of masses, and had made immense contribution to the development and welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu. She enjoyed a huge mandate, and was known for her administrative caliber and political sagacity. She was the iron lady of Tamil Nadu who successfully steered the state on the path of progress and prosperity. He benevolent measures endeared her to one and all. The people of Tamil Nadu affectionately referred her as Amma", Patnaik said in his message.
"Her death is a great National loss. The people of Odisha stand in solidarity with the people of Tamil Nadu in this hour of grief and bereavement. I pray that her soul may rest in peace ", the chief minister said in his message.
Similarly, other leaders including Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Jual Oram, Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda, Odisha School and Mass Education minister Debi Prasad Mishra, BJD MLA and actor Akash Das Nayak also expressed grief over the untimely demise of the popular AIADMK leader.
"Extremely saddened at demise of Hon'ble CM of Tamil Nadu Selvi J Jayalalithaa;the country has lost a great leader" Dharmendra Pradhan Tweeted.
Union minister for Tribal Affairs tweeted "Deeply saddened to learn the sad demise of Smt. #Jayalalithaa, CM of Tamil Naidu. May the departed soul rest in peace".
MP Baijayant Panda mentioned in his twitter account "Rest in Peace Dr J Jayalaithaa, political phenomenon of our times".
"Deeply saddened by demise of #Jayalalithaa #Amma what a charismatic leader she was. May her soul rest in peace. #Ripamma", MLA Akash Das Nayak said in his twitter page.
Notably, the popular pro-people leaders, who suffered a massive cardiac arrest on Sunday evening, passed away at 11:30 pm on Monday night, after battling for life for 75 days, the Apollo Hospitals, where she was undergoing treatment, said in a statement.