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Tue, 06 December 2016
AIADMK will head for a split: Swamy
Timeline Refresh
23:21 2 coaches of Capital Express derail in West Bengal
Just IN: Two coaches of Capital Express from Bihar's Rajendra Nagar to Guwahati derailed tonight in West Bengal, 2 injured.
More details awaited.
23:13 Cazeneuve named French PM as Valls quits to run for president
French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve was appointed as the new prime minister today after Manuel Valls resigned to seek the Socialist nomination in next year's presidential election.
Cazeneuve, who has overseen the security forces' reaction to a string of jihadist attacks that have killed more than 230 people in France over the past two years, will take control of the Socialist government until the election in May.
The widely-respected former lawyer was named to the post after President Francois Hollande accepted Valls's resignation early today.
Cazeneuve, 53, has served in various government roles, including budget minister and minister in charge of European affairs, before becoming interior minister in April 2014.
Bruno Le Roux, leader of the Socialists in the lower house of parliament, will take over the interior portfolio.
The mini-reshuffle comes after Valls, who has been prime minister for the past two-and-a-half years, said yesterday he would step down to contest a leftwing primary in January.
The 54-year-old quit the government to devote himself to the presidential race, in which polls currently show him trailing in fifth place overall.
22:49 Jayalalithaa was a 'charismatic' leader: Manmohan Singh
Condoling Jayalalithaa's demise, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today described her as a "charismatic" and "outstanding" leader who will be remembered forever by the people.
"I join millions of admirers of Jayalalitha ji in mourning her sad and untimely demise," Singh said in a statement.
"She was a charismatic leader who will be remembered forever as the beloved Amma by the people of Tamil Nadu. She was an outstanding leader who was passionately devoted to the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu," the senior Congress leader added.
21:49 Merkel re-elected by party to lead it into 2017 polls
German Chancellor Angela Merkel won a new two-year term today as the leader of conservative party, gaining solid backing after stressing her determination to prevent a repeat of last year's huge migrant influx.
Merkel, who ran unopposed, won 89.5 percent of delegates' votes at a congress of her Christian Democratic Union in the western city of Essen.
That was short of the 96.7 percent she won two years ago, but still a strong mandate as she prepares to seek a fourth term as chancellor in next year's German election.
The vote came after a speech in which she struck a decidedly conservative note, telling members that she wants to stem the influx of migrants and ban face-covering veils where possible.
21:47 AIADMK will head for a split: Swamy
The AIADMK will head for a split as J Jayalalithaa's close confidante Sasikala Natarajan will take over the reins of the party and not allow newly-elected Chief Minister O Panneerselvam to function independently, senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy today claimed.
"The AIADMK will not survive as a single entity. Sasikala Natarajan will be the head of the organisation and will not give Panneerselvam a free hand and she will ultimately find somebody from the family for the post," Swamy said.
The BJP leader said Panneerselvam also has no base in the party nor does Sasikala posses any political "acumen".
Yesterday, two hours after the announcement of Jayalalithaa's death, in a swift political transition, her loyalist Panneerselvam was sworn in as CM at a sombre ceremony at the Raj Bhawan along with all the ministers in the erstwhile Cabinet.
Panneerselvam had stepped into her shoes twice earlier when she was convicted in corruption cases. As the finance minister, he was given charge of the portfolios held by Jayalalithaa after she was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on September 22.
20:50 Cancel Boeing's Air Force One contract: Donald Trump
US President-elect Donald Trump today called for cancelling the order of Air Force One to Boeing, slamming the plane manufacturer for the high cost of over USD 4 billion.
"Boeing is building a brand new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but costs are out of control, more than USD 4 billion. Cancel order!" Trump said in a tweet.
In January this year, the US Air Force placed contract with Boeing for replacing the current Air Force One Planes with a new Boeing 747.
Boeing has built the plane for every US President since Franklin Roosevelt.
20:34 Axis Bank suspends 19 staff after complaints of irregularities post note ban
Axis Bank today said it has suspended its 19 officials allegedly involved in illegal activity post demonetisation.
Following arrest of two of its managers in Delhi by Enforcement Directorate in connection with money laundering probe, Axis Bank has hired KPMG to do forensic audit and strengthen mechanism to put check on such activities.
The bank has suspended 19 officials including 6 of Kashmere Gate branch of Delhi itself, Axis Bank executive director Rajesh Dahiya said.
"Post demonetisation, bank is working round the clock to enhance its processes so that rules are adhered to. As many as 125 senior-level officials are monitoring activities across the country," he said.
The bank is going to ruthless if it comes across any malpractice by anyone, he said.
Yesterday, the Enforcement Directorate arrested two Axis Bank managers here and seized 3 kg gold bars in connection with its money laundering probe in a racket of illegally converting old notes in connivance with banking authorities.
Following arrest of two of its managers in Delhi by Enforcement Directorate in connection with money laundering probe, Axis Bank has hired KPMG to do forensic audit and strengthen mechanism to put check on such activities.
The bank has suspended 19 officials including 6 of Kashmere Gate branch of Delhi itself, Axis Bank executive director Rajesh Dahiya said.
"Post demonetisation, bank is working round the clock to enhance its processes so that rules are adhered to. As many as 125 senior-level officials are monitoring activities across the country," he said.
The bank is going to ruthless if it comes across any malpractice by anyone, he said.
Yesterday, the Enforcement Directorate arrested two Axis Bank managers here and seized 3 kg gold bars in connection with its money laundering probe in a racket of illegally converting old notes in connivance with banking authorities.
19:44 Justice J S Khehar to be next CJI
The ball was set rolling today for the appointment of Jagdish Singh Khehar as the next Chief Justice of India with the present incumbent T S Thakur naming him his successor.
As per the memorandum of procedure, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had written to Justice Thakur to name his successor in November. Justice Thakur responded today by naming his number two as the next CJI.
While Justice Thakur will retire on January 3 next, Justice Khehar will have a brief eight-month tenure as the 44th CJI and would relinquish office on August 27 next.
As per the memorandum of procedure, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had written to Justice Thakur to name his successor in November. Justice Thakur responded today by naming his number two as the next CJI.
While Justice Thakur will retire on January 3 next, Justice Khehar will have a brief eight-month tenure as the 44th CJI and would relinquish office on August 27 next.
18:37
JUST IN: Justice Jagdish Singh Kehar to be the next Chief Justice of India, Justice T S Thakur to hold office till January 3, 2017.
18:13 Jayalalithaa laid to rest
After the 21-gun salute, the sandalwood casket was closed and lowered.
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has been laid to rest.
Chief Minister O Panneerslevam was among the ones who lowered the casket.
AIADMK tweets, 'Puratchi Thalaivi Amma now rests at Chennai Marina Beach forever.'
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has been laid to rest.
Chief Minister O Panneerslevam was among the ones who lowered the casket.
AIADMK tweets, 'Puratchi Thalaivi Amma now rests at Chennai Marina Beach forever.'
18:01
Sasikala performs Jayalalithaa's last rites.
17:58
Jaya's last rites: The national flag in which Jayalithaa's body was draped has been folded and handed over to Sasikala.
17:57
Jaya's last rites: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, party senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Tamil Nadu governor K Rosaiah also pay their final respect to Jayalalithaa.
17:52
Jaya's last rites: Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, Lok Sabha deputy speaker Thambidurai and other leaders lay wreaths after the Shok Shastra and Salami Shastras were played by the Army band.
17:48 Jayalalithaa's last rites begin
Jayalalithaa's last rites begin at MGR Memorial Complex at Marina Beach.
President Pranab Mukherjee, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and other leaders attend.
Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao lays a wreath.
President Pranab Mukherjee, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and other leaders attend.
Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao lays a wreath.
17:41
JUST IN: The Reserve Bank of India will shortly issue Rs 100 banknotes without inset letter in both the numbering panels. Old Rs 100 notes to continue as legal tender, the RBI said.
17:28 Jaya's funeral procession reaches Marina Beach
Jaya's funeral procession: Mortal remains of Jayalalithaa brought to MGR memorial at Marina Beach in Chennai, to be buried shortly.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and party senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, among other leaders, wait at Marina Beach.
Photograph: @AIADMKOfficial/Twitter
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and party senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, among other leaders, wait at Marina Beach.
Photograph: @AIADMKOfficial/Twitter
17:06
Jaya's funeral procession: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam sits in the funeral cortege, sitting besides him is Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.
16:57
Jaya's funeral procession: All AIADMK ministers in white shirts and white veshtis walk with the procession. Marina Beach is about 2 km away from Rajaji Hall.
16:40
Photos of Jayalalithaa's funeral procession. Her close confidante Sasikala sits besides the casket. Photograph: ANI
16:28 Jayalalithaa's final journey begins
Jayalalithaa's body is now being taken from Rajaji Hall to MGR memorial complex at Marina Beach where the burial will take place.
Army has been deployed to take her body to Marina Beach.
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (@AIADMKOfficial) tweets:
'The last journey of Indias Iron Lady Puratchi Thalaivi Amma begins.'
'Honourable President Pranab Mukherjee paid his last respects to Puratchi Thalaivi Amma.'
'Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi paid his last respects to Puratchi Thalaivi Amma.'
Army has been deployed to take her body to Marina Beach.
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (@AIADMKOfficial) tweets:
'The last journey of Indias Iron Lady Puratchi Thalaivi Amma begins.'
'Honourable President Pranab Mukherjee paid his last respects to Puratchi Thalaivi Amma.'
'Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi paid his last respects to Puratchi Thalaivi Amma.'
16:18 Why Jayalalithaa will be buried not cremated
Former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa's mortal remains will be buried, not cremated as per Hindu Brahmin ritual on Marina Beach.
Unlike other Dravidian leaders, Jayalalithaa was a believer who used to pray regularly and be seen with an Iyengar Namam on her forehead. Still, why did the state government and the Sasikala family decide to bury her instead of a cremation an obvious ritual for Iyengars.
A senior government secretary, who was part of the funeral preparations of the late chief minister, told the Indian Express: "She was not an Iyengar for us. She was beyond any caste or religious identity. Even most of all the Dravidian leaders, including Periyar, Anna Durai and MGR, were all buried and we do not have a precedent of consigning their body to flames even after death. So, we bury them with sandalwood and rose water."
15:31 CRPF jawan killed, another one injured in IED blast
A CRPF jawan was killed and another one injured today when the Naxals triggered an IED blast followed by firing in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Dantewada district, police said.
The incident took place at around 11.15am when a joint team of Central Reserve Police Force's 231st battalion and district force was patrolling to ensure security to the under-construction Aranpur (Dantewada)-Jagargunda (Sukma) road which passes through the restive dense forests under Aranpur police station limits, a senior police official said.
When the security men were cordoning-off a patch between Kondapara and Kondasawli villages, the Maoists detonated the improvised explosive device (IED) and started firing in which two head constables were injured, he said.
Reinforcement was rushed to the spot and the injured personnel were airlifted to Raipur for treatment, he said.
15:26 Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa finally gets to see her
Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa Jayakumar pays tribute to her at Rajaji Hall in Chennai.
Deepa had been denied access to Jayalalithaa at Apollo hospitals. According to reports, AIADMK cadre refused her entry and asked her to leave, even turning abusive at one point, leading to a scuffle.
Speaking to the media outside the hospital, Deepa said: "I am not being allowed inside the hospital. I want to ask them why am I not being allowed inside? On whose orders am I being kept outside?"
Deepa had earlier too made an attempt to see Jayalalithaa in the beginning of October, but was denied entry into the hospital then as well. She had reportedly waited outside the hospital for three days to meet the CM.
Even after she identified herself, and said that she would not leave until she had a chance to see the chief minister, she said that she was told "some person in high authority" would get in touch with her -- but the call never came.
"There is some block. There is somebody, I cannot say who. There is definitely someone who is blocking (me from) meeting my aunt. I want to hold her hand, tend to her during this critical time. I want to be next to her and take care of her. But there is some block," she was quoted as saying by the media.
15:14 IAF chief aims for operational readiness
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha has stressed on the need for effective utilisation of available resources for operational readiness at all times.
"Maintenance Command has a major role in maintaining the 'legacy equipment' of the Indian Air Force," Air Chief Raha said at the three-day conference at Maintenance Command which commenced on Monday.
The conference is being held by Station/Unit Commanders of Base Repair Depots, Equipment Depots and other units under the Command.
"There is a need for effective utilisation of available resources for operational readiness at all times," Raha said.
He appreciated the outstanding professionalism and efforts put in by air warriors in successful achievement of the assigned task.
The progress of various ongoing maintenance activities and projects at various units under Maintenance Command is being reviewed during the Conference.
15:08
Journalist Sreenivasan Jain tweets: Media blocked from entering Jayalalithaa's funeral site. Been told by police it's a 'private function'.
14:49 NRI body asks Jaitley to extend cut-off date to deposit banned notes
Describing the demonetisation move as a "bold decision", a global body for people of Indian-origin has asked Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to extend by six months the cut-off date for depositing the banned notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations.
The Global Organisation of People of Indian-Origin in a recent letter said it has been flooded by concerns from a large number of NRIs and PIO after the recent government's decision to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes.
"It is a bold decision by Prime Minister Modi and we fully support him," said GOPIO president Niraj Baxi in his recent letter to Jaitley.
He said that some NRIs and PIOs have left over cash from their previous visits to India, while others have used currency exchanges and banks to obtain the rupees abroad for use on their future trip to India.
Many NRIs and PIOs have kept these notes for a while so as to use them on their return to India in the future. Some have used less time consuming means of obtaining currencies from online money exchanges to take back to India, said a media statement issued by GOPIO.
14:46 Soon, Ola cabs will drive to your doorstep with cash
Extending their partnership, taxi aggregator Ola and private lender Yes bank are jointly working on a mobile solution wherein cabs will bring cash to your doorstep via micro ATMs powered by the bank.
"This is part of our commitment to serve as many customers as possible. We are working on a mobile solution with Ola, which means the cab will come to you to dispense money. We are in advance stages of closing out and are hopeful of launching the service in a week to 10 days maximum," Rajat Mehta, Senior President & Country Head, Brand & Retail Marketing, Yes Bank said.
Yes Bank and Ola yesterday launched a mobile ATM service where customers of any bank can withdraw up to Rs 2,000 per card from PoS terminals from Ola cabs located near Yes Bank branch/ATM across 30 locations in 10 cities of the country.
"Right now, people have to come to the cab, here the cab will come to you. That will be another sort of customer experience we want to give to people. Through this, we will be able to reach a large customer base," Mehta said, explaining the rationale behind it being customers are finding it difficult to stand in long queues before banks/ATMs for long when cash has become a scarce commodity.
14:17 PM Modi pays tribute to Jayalalithaa, consoles Panneerselvam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday visited Rajaji Hall in Chennai to pay his last respects to Jayalalithaa.
Modi placed a wreath and paid tributes. Modi was seen comforting newly-elected Chief Minister O Panneerselvam.
He also met Jayalalithaa's aide Sasikala.
In a series of tweets last night, the Prime Minister, who enjoyed a good personal equation with the late leader, had said that he was "deeply saddened at the passing away of Selvi Jayalalithaa. Her demise has left a huge void in Indian politics."
13:10 Tamil Nadu turns dry for three days
State-run retail liquor outlets in Tamil Nadu will be closed for three days from today as a mark of respect to departed AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, the state government said.
The Prohibition and Excise Department said in a communication that all shops of the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation and bars throughout the state be closed on December 6,7 and 8 "as a mark of respect to late Selvi J Jayalalithaa."
It also directed that other licenced premises selling liquor should also remain closed during the period.
TASMAC is the sole retailer of Indian Made Foreign Liquor and operates more than 6,000 shops across the state.
12:32
President Pranab Mukherjee to depart for Chennai from Delhi once again, after the technical snag in the IAF plane carrying him was take care of
12:31 Preparations underway at Marina beach for Jayalalithaa's last rites
Preparations are underway for the last rites ceremony of Jayalalithaa at MGR Memorial at Marina beach.
'Amma' will be cremated next to the memorial site of her mentor and former chief minister MG Ramachandran.
Apart from the entire AIADMK cadre, some opposition leaders, including those from the DMK, may also attend the ceremony.
Security has been beefed up at the Marina beach.
As per media reports, people have already started thronging the venue.
12:25 Snag hits Pranab's aircraft; flown back to New Delhi
Indian Air Force plane carrying President Pranab Mukherjee to Chennai, returns to Delhi after developing technical snag mid-air.
Mukherjee was heading to Chennai to pay homage to J Jayalalithaa, who died on Monday night.
Remembering Jayalalithaa from the early days of his political career, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday expressed his condolences and said that she was a fighter having a wonderful mastery over facts and theories.
The President recalled Jayalalithaa entering into the Rajya Sabha when he was the Leader of the House around early 1980's, he said.
"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, where he will pay his last respects to Jayalalithaa.
12:14 At Rajaji Hall, Sasikala's family stands by Jayalalithaa
The News Minute reports: As Jayalalithaa makes her final journey, with her body now kept at the Rajaji Hall in Chennai for public homage, one fact has not gone unnoticed -- it is Sasikala and her family members who are all around her.
Sasikala, her sister-in-law Ilavarasi, Ilavarasi's son Vivek, Dhivaharan, Jai Anand (Dhivaharan's son), Dr Venkatesh and Dr Sivakumar can be seen patiently standing besides Jayalalithaa's body. Dr Sivakumar is known to have closely monitored Jayalalithaa in her final days.
In her later years, Jayalalithaa did not remain in touch with her own family members, and it was Sasikala and other members of Sasikala's family who were close to her. In fact, Jayalalithaa's niece, Deepa, was not even allowed inside the Apollo Hospital when Jayalalithaa was critical.
Speculation is rife that Vivek could perform the last rights for Jayalalithaa.
Read more HERE
12:03 Parliament condoles Jayalalithaa's death; adjourns for the day
Parliament today condoled the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa saying the country has lost a courageous and charismatic leader, before adjourning the proceedings for the day as a mark of respect for the departed soul.
After paying tributes to Jayalalithaa, who was also a Rajya Sabha member from 1984-89, members in both Houses stood in silence for a brief while.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari said that in the passing away of Jayalalithaa, the country has lost a prominent leader, distinguished Parlimentarian and an able
administrator.
Describing Jayalalithaa as a "charismatic personality", Ansari said her contribution to economic development and deprived sections of the society would long be cherished. She also contributed immensely to Tamil, Telugu and Kannada film industries, he added.
"We deeply mourn her passing away," Ansari said before adjourning the proceedings for the day.
Expressing grief at the passing away of Jayalalithaa, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the country has lost a highly popular, courageous and eminent public persona.
"Selvi Jayalalithaa was a true leader of the masses and her followers fondly called her 'Amma', meaning mother, and 'Puratchi Thalaivi' meaning a revolutionary leader," Mahajan said.
11:55
Superstar Rajinikanth, Aishwarya, Soundarya, Latha and Dhanush pays tribute to Jayalalithaa at Rajaji Hall in Chennai where her mortal remains have been kept.
11:40
Route for Jayalalithaa's funeral procession: Anna Salai-Walajah Road-Chepauk Stadium-MGR Samadhi
10:55 Demonetisation hits IPTL, no Federer, Serena this year
Already struggling to get star power this year, IPTL has been hit further as neither Swiss icon Roger Federer nor American legend Serena Williams will be part of the popular league this season, due to prevailing "economic climate" in India.
International Premier Tennis League founder Mahesh Bhuapthi, India's one of the most successful doubles player, confirmed the absence of the two star players.
While Federer was not named in any side, he was expected to be part of the Indian Aces while Serena was named in the Singapore Slammers squad.
"We have had challenges this year and we are hoping to get past them. With current economic climate in India and uncertainty of spending money, I reached out to both Roger (Federer) and Serena (Williams) to explain the situation. They have been very supportive of the IPTL the first two seasons and we look forward to bring them in Futures," Bhupathi said in a statement.
10:54 Parthiv set to play in 4th Test, injured Saha rested
With India wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha still recovering from a strain in his left thigh, comeback-man Parthiv Patel is set to play the fourth Test against England starting in Mumbai on October 8.
Patel, who impressed with scores of 42 and 67 in the two innings at Mohali on his comeback into the side after eight years, got another chance to impress the team management.
"Parthiv Patel will continue to be part of the Indian Test team for the 4th Test of the five-match Paytm Test Series to be held in Mumbai from December 8, 2016," BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke said in a release.
Saha, who had suffered the niggle during the second Test at Visakhapatnam, has been rested for the upcoming Test.
"The BCCI medical team has confirmed that wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha is still recuperating from the strain in his left thigh, which he sustained during the second Test match at Vizag," the release said.
10:20
Both the houses in Parliament will adjourn for the day as a mark of respect for late Jayalalithaa.
10:16 Tamil Nadu's December jinx
December seems to be jinxed for Tamil Nadu as it witnessed yet another major loss in the form of death of AIADMK supremo and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa after that of her mentor M G Ramachandran, besides natural calamities of tsunami and floods.
Periyar E V Ramasamy, who founded the self-respect movement and the Dravidar Kazhagam, died on December 24, 1973 at the age of 94.
C Rajagopalachari, the first chief minister of Tamil Nadu, passed away on December 25, 1972.
While AIADMK founder and charismatic actor-turned-politician MGR died on December 24, 1987, his protege Jayalalithaa breathed her last on Monday (December 5), leaving a striking similarity.
Both leaders had also gone through prolonged period of illness before their end came.
Nature too had played havoc with citizens of the state in the last month of the year.
The killer tsunami of 2004 struck on December 26, while the torrential unprecedented downpour in December 2015 left a scar in the minds of many harried citizens of Chennai, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Tiruvallore and Thoothukudi.
09:55
Centre declares State mourning today in view of Jayalalithaa's demise.
National flag on all government buildings to be flown at half-mast
09:55
Centre declares State mourning today in view of Jayalalithaa's demise.
National flag on all government buildings to be flown at half-mast
09:37 PM Modi flying to Chennai to pay tributes to Jayalalithaa
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is headed for Chennai to pay floral tributes to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa who passed away at a Chennai hospital Monday night.
He will place a wreath on the mortal remains of Jayalalithaa at Rajaji Hall.
In a series of tweets Monday night, the Prime Minister, who enjoyed a good personal equation with the late leader, said he was "deeply saddened at the passing away of Selvi Jayalalithaa. Her demise has left a huge void in Indian politics."
Jayalalithaa, a popular leader who showered the poor with populist programmes, died last night at a private hospital in Chennai after battling for life for the past 75 days. The 67-year-old leader had suffered a massive cardiac arrest on Sunday evening.
09:09 Jayalalithaa's last rites to be held on Marina beach at 4:30 pm
The last rites of Jayalalithaa will be performed at 4.30 pm near the iconic Marina beach, at the memorial site of her mentor and former chief minister MG Ramachandran.
The state government has declared a seven-day mourning period beginning Tuesday. Schools, colleges, offices and businesses were to be closed for the next three days, which have been designated a public holiday in the state.
Jayalalithaa will be accorded a state funeral. Flags will be flown at half mast. The Centre has declared a one-day mourning at the chief minister's demise.
Draped in her favourite green colour saree, Jayalalithaas body was taken from her Poes Garden residence to Rajaji Hall where hundreds and thousands of supporters queued up to have a last glimpse of the powerful leader, nicknamed Puratchi Thalaivi (revolutionary leader).
08:28
Jayalalithaa will be accorded state funeral. Flags will be flown at half mast. And no ceremonial functions will be organised: ANI reports
08:18 Amid cries of 'Amma', thousands pay respects to Jayalalithaa
The mortal remains of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister late J Jayalalithaa were on Tuesday kept in state at Rajaji Hall in Chennai for the public to pay their last respects.
Draped in her favourite green colour saree, Jayalalithaa's body was taken from her Poes Garden residence early Tuesday morning to Rajaji Hall where hundreds and thousands of supporters queued up to have a last glimpse of their 'Puratchi Thalaivi Amma' (Revolutionary Leader Amma).
As the casket carrying the body of six-time chief minister was placed on the steps of Rajaji Hall, in the heart of the city off arterial Anna Salai, four Army men covered it with the national Tricolour.
Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and his ministerial colleagues, MPs and MLAs and senior state government officials were among the first to pay homage to Jayalalithaa, who passed away at the Apollo Hospitals at 11.30 pm on Monday after waging a grim battle for life since her hospitalisation on September 22.
Her long time confidante Sasikala Natarajan is by her side. Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu also paid his last respect.
08:12 TN government declares holiday for its offices today
Tamil Nadu government has announced today as a holiday for its offices under the Negotiable Instruments Act, as a mark of respect to late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
A Government Order said the notified public holiday will apply to all state government offices, undertakings, corporations and boards.
"Under the Explanation to Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 read with Notification of the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs No.20-25-26, Public-1, dated 8th June 1957 the Government of Tamil Nadu hereby declares that Tuesday, the 6th of December, 2016 as a public holiday as a mark of respect to the late Selvi J Jayalalithaa, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu," it said.
The day will be also treated as a paid holiday for all industrial employees on regular work charge and industrial establishments and the labour hired on daily wages, it said.
The government also issued another order declaring three days holidays for "all educational institutions" starting today.
02:54
AIADMK workers mourn Jayalalithaa's demise
02:53
Jayalalithaa's mortal remains brought to her residence Poes Garden
02:16 I join the country in mourning her loss: Apollo Hospitals chairman
Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Dr. Prathap C. Reddy offers his condolence on the demise of Jayalalitha.
"While she's no longer with us, she would continue to live in our hearts. I join the country in mourning her loss," he said.
Jayalalithaa was admitted to hospital on September 22 with complaints of "fever and dehydration."
Reddy had recently said Jayalalithaa was in good health and was speaking using a valve attached to the tracheostomy tube.
02:12
State opposition leader MK Stalin: I am deeply shocked and worried on the demise of Jayalalithaa. Though we had different political opinions in the state of affairs in TN, her loss will be irreparable to the state. I lead the DMK in mourning her loss and express deep condolences to the AIADMK cadres and people of TN who are deeply saddened by her loss.
02:05
Jayalalithaa 's body will be kept at Rajaji Hall for people to pay last respects, says AIADMK.
01:52
Superstar Rajnikanth tweets, "Not just Tamil Nadu but the whole of India is suffering at the loss of its brave daughter. I pray to the almighty that our honourable chief minister's soul may find peace."
01:34
Jayalalithaa's demise: Anna University postpones all examinations scheduled between December 6-8
01:33 O Panneerselvam sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM
O Panneerselvam takes oath as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu for the third time.
With Paneerselvam, Jaya's all ministers took the oath again.
Before the swearing in ceremony Tamil Nadu Governor Governor C Vidyasagar Rao and AIADMK MLAs observed 2-minute silence as homage to Jaya.
01:20
O Panneerselvam to be sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM, Governor C Vidyasagar Rao begins oath ceremony with a two-minute silence, reports ANI.
01:14
Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Jayalalithaa; the nation has lost an icon who was loved and admired by millions: President Pranab Mukherjee.
01:13 AIADMK MLAs elect O Panneerselvam as next Tamil Nadu CM
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MLAs has unanimously elected O Panneerselvam as next chief minister of Tamil Nadu after Jayalalithaa's demise.
01:08 7 day state mourning declared in TN; schools, colleges to be shut
Seven day state mourning has been declared in Tamil Nadu while principal secretary of school education department, Sabitha D declared that all schools and colleges will be closed for three days.
Jayalalithaa's body is likely to be brought to her residence Poes Garden by 2' o clock.
00:53
@OfficeOfRG
We lost a great leader today.Women,farmers,fishermen &the marginalised dreamt through her eyes.We will miss Jayalalithaa ji,Amma to millions
00:53
Deeply saddened to learn the demise of Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa. She was a powerful voice for the weaker sections of the society: Rajnath Singh
00:52 Deeply saddened at the passing away of Selvi Jayalalithaa: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers his condolence on Twitter
- Deeply saddened at the passing away of Selvi Jayalalithaa. Her demise has left a huge void in Indian politics
-Jayalalithaa jis connect with citizens, concern for welfare of the poor, the women & marginalized will always be a source of inspiration.
- My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Tamil Nadu in this hour of grief.
- May the Almighty grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss with courage and fortitude.
- I will always cherish the innumerable occasions when I had the opportunity to interact with Jayalalithaa ji. May her soul rest in peace.
00:30
Here are some reactions on Jayalalithaa's death.
@AIADMKOfficialOur beloved leader, The Iron Lady of India Puratchi Thalaivi Amma is no more.
@AmitShah
Saddened by the demise of Tamil Nadu CM J.Jayalalithaa ji. I extend my deepest condolences to her party and followers in this hour of grief.
00:25
Apollo Hospital issues an official statement to confirm Jayalalithaa's death.
00:16 Jayalalithaa passes away after 75 days in hospital
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa passed away tonight. She was 68.
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief had suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening following which she was put on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and life support systems.
Jayalalithaa had been admitted to hospital on September 22 with complaints of "fever and dehydration."
She was later put ventilator and treated with antibiotics for infection and lung congestion.
Later, doctors did a tracheostomy -- made a hole in the wind pipe near the neck -- so they didn't have to put the tube through her mouth.
Apollo Hospitals Chairman Dr C Prathap Reddy had recently said Jayalalithaa was in good health and was speaking using a valve attached to the tracheostomy tube.
Whole body physiotherapy was being done, he had said, adding that she was normally recuperating after being in bed for several weeks and would herself decide when to go home.
However, the situation went awry after she suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening.
00:12 Traffic Corridor created from Apollo to Jaya's residence
As Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa is battling for life, a traffic corridor has been made from Apollo Hospitals to her official residence, Poes Garden, some media reports say.
According to The Hindu, a few hundred policemen have completely taken over both inside and outside the hospital premises.
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