Jayalalithaa laid to rest: Tamil Nadu bids aideu to its 'Amma'

Lakhs of people were witness to the last rites of the leader. A minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect as her mortal remains were transferred to a coffin.

Draped in the National Flag a 21-gun salute was accorded as J Jayalalithaa was laid to rest at the Marina beach in Chennai. The 68 year old leader passed away following a cardiac arrest on Monday. The beloved leader was laid to rest next to her mentor M G Ramachandran.

Lakhs of people were witness to the last rites of the leader. A minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect as her mortal remains were transferred to a coffin. 'Puratchi Thalaivi Selvi J Jayalalithaa' was inscribed on the coffin.

Governor Vidyasagar Rao along with Venkaiah Naidu and Pon Radhakrishnan offered their final tributes followed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Panneerselvam. Her close aide Sasikala Natarajan completed the final rites alongside Jayalalithaa's nephew, Deepak Jayakumar.

The funeral procession

Rajaji Hall to Marina beach people walked on both sides of the road as a specially decorated vehicle carrying the mortal remains of J Jayalalithaa made its way at a snail's pace. A posse of AIADMK party cadre in whites led the way as dozens of policement followed suit. Right behind the policemen, in a convoy, the iconic leader made her last journey.

Wailing women, sobbing men, dejected party cadres, all were present in the sea of humanity that came out to get one last glimpse of the leader. LED screens were set up on Marina beach to broadcast the final rites.

Chants of 'Amma' were heard throughout the journey as Tamil Nadu bid adieu to its leader J Jayalalithaa. Emotions ran high but unlike what happened during M G R's death, no incidents of violence or rioting took place. A dignified farewell was accorded to 'Puratchi Talaivi' of Tamil Nadu politics.

OneIndia News