Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to the late former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, calling her one of the leaders who always prioritised the welfare of the public through her noble deeds. Modi mentioned the AIADMK supremo during the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, noting that her birth anniversary falls on February 24.
"In our country, those who have worked for the welfare of society and prioritised the public in their noble actions remain forever in the hearts of the people. Amma Jayalalithaa ji was one such beloved leader," Modi said.
The Prime Minister further noted the deep affection that the people of Tamil Nadu still feel for her, citing his own visits to the state. “The mention of Amma Jayalalithaa brings a glow to the faces of the people of Tamil Nadu,” he added.
Modi also recalled how Jayalalithaa had attended his oath-taking ceremonies during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, and noted that “her thinking was always clear.”
Jayalalithaa died on December 5, 2016 after more than two months of hospitalisation while still in office. The AIADMK, which had been in power since 2011, witnessed an internal revolt following her departure which ultimately led to the ouster of her former confidante O. Panneerselvam from the party.
The party, under then chief minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, faced a major drubbing in the 2021 assembly polls with its seat tally dropping to 66 from 136.
In Tamil Nadu, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in alliance with the AIADMK and is working to dislodge the ruling DMK government in the upcoming state elections, scheduled for April-May. |
