Jaya's funeral: President arrives in Chennai

According to reports, Pranab Mukherjee will be flying in another plane to pay respects to Amma.

New Delhi, Dec 6: President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday arrived in Chennai to pay tribute to J Jayalalithaa.

According to reports, Pranab Mukherjee flew down to Chennai in an IAF aircraft and landed near Rajaji Hall where Jayalalithaa's tri-colour-draped body was kept for her followers to pay their last respects.

President Mukherjee earlier today said that Jayalalithaa was a fighter who fought till her last breath against cruelty and suffering.

Speaking to ANI, the President recalled Jayalalithaa entering into the Rajya Sabha. ''On many occasions I had interactions with her on all subjects concerning development and administration. She had a wonderful mastery over facts and theories,'' he said ahead of his departure to Chennai. "All other battles she won, but perhaps everybody has to lose one battle and she has lost that," he said.

Expressing grief at the passing away of the stalwart of Tamil Nadu politics, Pranab Mukherjee further said,''In her passing away, the nation has lost an icon who was loved and admired by millions. Her contribution to the progress and development of Tamil Nadu will be long remembered".

Jayalalithaa, hospitalised since September 22, suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday and passed away late last night. Her funeral will be held at Marina beach in the city at 4:30 pm on Tuesday.

OneIndia News