The who’s who of Punjab politics, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, his deputy son Sukhbir Badal, and the State Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh, on Tuesday expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who passed away at Chennai late Monday night, after a prolonged illness.
Badal, in a condolence message, described Jayalalithaa as ‘Iron lady’ who was a beloved leader in Tamil Nadu. “She was a leader of masses, seasoned politician, an able administrator and above all a pious soul with the rare qualities of head and heart,” said Badal.
Badal added that in her death, a void has been created in the political circles of the country in general and that of Tamil Nadu in particular, which would be difficult to be filled in the near future.
Sharing his heartfelt condolences with the members of the bereaved family, friends besides millions of her admirers, Badal prayed to the Almighty to give courage to bear this huge loss in this hour of grief and grant eternal peace to the departed soul.
Condoling the demise, Sukhbir described 68-year-old Chief Minister as a great leader who ushered in an era of prosperity for Tamil Nadu by initiating reforms in social, economic, trade and industrial sectors.
He said that she was a visionary who always had welfare of her state uppermost in her mind, while praying to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul.
Describing the actor-turned-politician as an iconic figure whose death has left a deep void, Punjab Congress president Capt Amarinder lamented her sad demise. Capt Amarinder, in his message, said that Jayalalitha will always be remembered as a strong and courageous woman who successfully lived her life on her own terms. “Her indomitable spirit will continue to inspire the people of India even in her death,” he said.
“May her soul rest in peace,” said the former chief minister while expressing deep sorrow at the passing away of a legend, “whose charismatic persona had a long-lasting impact on every person she came in contact with”.