Leaders, Supporters Bid Farewell to Amma Before Last Rites
This news comes hours after AIADMK had said she has made a full recovery and will be able to go home shortly.
Amma Suffers a Cardiac Arrest
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening, says Apollo Hospitals.
She is being treated and monitored by a team of experts including cardiologists, pulmonologist and critical care specialists.
The Chief Minister has been in the hospital since 22 September, when she had been admitted with fever and dehydration.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh Speaks to TN Governor
Home Minister Rajnath Singh has spoken to Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao after CM Jayalalithaa suffered a cardiac arrest.
Supporters Break Down
Supporters of the Chief Minister have congregated outside the hospital and have broken down on hearing the news.
Jaya Being Treated with ECMO
Sources indicate that she is being treated with ECMO or extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation, as reported by TNM.
This is a process in which the functions of the heart and lungs are carried out outside the body.
Performed with the use of a special machine, ECMO involves drawing blood out of large blood vessels into a pump and through an oxygenation chamber that removes the carbon dioxide, adds oxygen and returns the blood to the patient's body.
Tamil Nadu Put on High Alert
Tamil Nadu has been put on high alert.
According to highly placed sources in the police department, the entire TN police force has been mobilised to prevent any untoward incident and maintain law and order, as reported by The News Minute.
Statements From Various AIADMK Officials
Statements have started coming in from various party officials, wishing the Chief Minister a speedy recovery .
Source: Puthiya Thalaimurai TV
Over 100 Policemen Deployed Outside Hospital
There are over 100 policemen posted outside the hospital.
There are three entrances to the hospital, with police personnel stationed at all of them.
One can reach the hospital building after crossing an inside road, which is about hundred feet in length. The crowd is being managed by the police and has been stopped at the start of the inside lane.
TN Ministers Reach Apollo; Rajnath Singh Steps in
Governor Rao Reaching Chennai
Governor Rao (who is governor of Maharashtra, as well as Tamil Nadu) was at Navy Day function, when he got a call.
Rao left the function midway and rushed to Chennai, as The Quint got to know from the PRO.
Rao took the 8:20 pm flight. It takes around 2 hours to reach Chennai from Mumbai.
President’s Prayers
Health Min Speaks to Apollo Chairman
Union Health Minister JP Nadda speaks to Apollo Chairman to enquire about Jayalalithaa’s health.
Large Crowds Gather Outside Hospital
Twitter Flooded With Reactions
Doctor From AIIMS to Leave for Chennai on Monday Morning
A doctor from AIIMS, Delhi will leave for Tamil Nadu on Monday to assist in Jayalalithaa’s treatment.
“Dr Richard Beale from London has also been consulted and he has concurred with the line of treatment being provided by our cardiologists and pulmonologists,” statement from Apollo hospital reads.
AIADMK MPs will not be flying to Delhi to attend the winter session of Parliament in the light of Jayalalithaa’s health condition.
Schools Not Shut, Rumour Mills Churn Overtime
Even as Anna University has individually announced that the exams scheduled till 9 December have been cancelled, the government has not announced cancellation of any school/college exams, as reports suggest.
TN Governor Pays Brief Visit to Jayalalithaa
AIADMK party workers broke police barricades outside the Apollo hospital where Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa suffered a cardiac arrest.
TN Governor C Vidyasagar Rao reached Apollo hospital in Chennai a little after midnight. By 12:16 am, Rao had left the hospital.
Police Officials Around TN to be Deployed
The police officers from all over the state have been directed to be deployed at 7 am in various district of Tamil Nadu.
Rudalis on the Ready Outside the Hospital
Rudalis or professional mourners are on the ready outside the Apollo hospital in Chennai:
Security Arrangements Made for Pilgrims Visiting Sabrimala
Special security arrangements have been made for the pilgrims visiting Sabrimala in the light of TN Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s bad health.
State Oppn Leaders Karunanidhi, Stalin Wish Speedy Recovery to Jaya
State opposition party DMK leaders Karunanidhi and son MK Stalin took to Twitter to wish a speedy recovery to AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa fighting for life at Apollo hospital in Chennai.
Simi Garewal Prays for Jayalalithaa’s Recovery
Simi Garewal, who played host to actress-turned-politician Jayalalithaa on her talk-show Rendezvouz, wished for a miracle in the form of Jayalalithaa’s recovery.
Watch parts of the interview here:
Crowds of Supporters Pour in Outside Apollo Hospital
Heavy Security Deployed Outside Apollo Hospital
Police has been deployed outside Apollo Hospital in Chennai as a huge crowd gathered. CRPF teams have been put on standby in light of her health. A specialist team from AIIMS will be sent to Chennai, Health Minister JP Nadda told CNN-News18.
Traffic Police Block Roads Leading to Apollo
Chennai Traffic Police have blocked all roads leading to Apollo Hospital in Chennai to avoid traffic congestion.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have cancelled buses to Tamil Nadu, fearing unpredictable developments, reported The Indian Express.
AIADMK MPs to Meet at Party Headquarters
AIADMK lawmakers have been summoned to meet at the party headquarters in Chennai at 11 am, Times of India reported. There has been no update from Apollo Hospital since Monday morning, but according to sources to NDTV, the chief minister is in a very critical condition.
Team of 4 Docs From AIIMS Sent to Apollo
Union Health Minister JP Nadda said a team of four doctors from AIIMS has been sent to Chennai. He said they were in constant touch with the Apollo doctors as well as the Tamil Nadu government.
Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan and BJP Rajya Sabha MP La Ganesan have reached Apollo hospital to enquire about amma’s health.
Amma Out of Danger, Under Observation
Union Health Minister, JP Nadda said the chief minister is out of danger and her health is being constantly monitored by a team of doctors.
AIADMK spokesperson Saraswathi told reporters that Jayalalithaa had an angioplasty in the wee hours of the morning and is stable now. She added that the chief minister is under observation at the moment.
Venkaiah Naidu Enquires About Jaya's Health
Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu spoke to the Governor and Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu and enquired about Jayalalithaa's health condition.
AIADMK Member Dies After Hearing of Amma's Health
An AIADMK member from Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu died, possibly of shock, after hearing the news about Jayalalithaa’s cardiac arrest.
Rajnath Speaks to TN Governor; Law and Order Situation Stable
Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke with Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao. The governor informed Singh that the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu is under control.
Heavy security has been deployed outside Apollo Hospital, and the CRPF has been put on standby.
Kiren Rijiju on Security Situation in TN
Minister of State Kiren Rijiju said if the state needed further security, it will have to notify the Centre. As of now the security situation in Tamil Nadu is under control, he maintained.
US Consulate in Chennai Issues Advisory
The US Consulate General in Chennai has issued an advisory to its citizens on Monday, urging them to review “personal security plans” reported The News Minute.
US citizens and employees of the Consulate have been told to steer clear of areas of demonstration stating that “even gatherings intended to be peaceful” can turn “confrontational and escalate into violence”.
The Chennai consulate has suspended routine appointments for now and is functioning with a limited staff.
Venkaiah Naidu to Visit Chennai Today
Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu will head to Chennai today to take stock of Jayalalithaa’s health situation.
While reports claim that the CM underwent angioplasty in the wee hours of Monday morning, The News Minute confirmed from sources in the Chief Minister’s Office, that no angiogram or angioplasty was performed on her.
Her treatment is all the more complex because of her diabetes and a lung infection, according to CNN-News18.
Nadda Briefs PM on Jaya’s Health
Union Health Minister JP Nadda has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Jayalalitha's health.
Amma Remains Very Critical: Apollo Spokesperson
Apollo Hospital Spokesperson says CM Jayalalithaa remains very critical and is on ECMO and other life support systems, being closely observed.
Apollo Says no Surgery Done; Contradicts AIADMK’s Claims
Apollo Hospitals said no surgery was performed on Jayalalithaa this morning, according to NDTV. This contradicts AIADMK’s claims than an angioplasty was performed on her in the wee hours of Monday morning. A party spokesperson said that she was under observation.
Dr Naresh Trehan on Amma’s Health
Top cardiovascular surgeon Dr Naresh Trehan said Jayalalithaa’s condition is critical, but stable. He said the ECMO machine has stabilised the situation, but it still remains critical.
'Beloved CM Remains in Grave Situation': Apollo Spokesperson
While Apollo Hospitals released a press release saying Jayalalithaa remains critical, the Executive Director, Sangita Reddy tweeted saying she’s in a grave situation.
TN Governor to Visit Apollo Hospital
Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao will visit Apollo Hospitals soon, according to reports.
India Today reported that AIADMK MLAs have been summoned to the hospital to chalk out succession plans. The consensus seems to point to Jayalalithaa's favourite, O Panneerselvam, reported Times Now.
Vaiyapuri Gopalsamy Naidu – Vaiko – founder and General Secretary of MDMK arrived at the hospital too.
Situation ‘Extremely Grave’, says Dr Richard Beale
The situation remains “extremely grave”, said Dr Richard Beale, consulting specialist from London who had been involved in Amma’s treatment.
Meeting of MLAs Endorse Panneerselvam as Successor
A meeting of MLAs of the AIADMK held at Apollo Hospital in Chennai has endorsed the name of O Panneerselvam as the man who will take reins of the government, if the requirement arises.
Sources have told TNM that MLAs were made to sign on a paper pledging their support to O Panneerselvam.
Ever since, Apollo Hospital had announced that Jayalalithaa had suffered a cardiac arrest, the top leadership of the AIADMK have been in a huddle over the future course of the party.
Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa is very critical and admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai. Her situation worsened on Sunday when she suffered a cardiac arrest.
Source: The News Minute
Expelled AIADMK MP Sasikala Pushpa Cries Foul; Demands CBI Probe
Expelled MP Sasikala Pushpa demanded a CBI probe into the circumstances surrounding the deterioration of Jaya’s health. She questioned why there was no transparency around her health while she was in hospital.
She added that it was unethical that the MLAs were meeting to appoint a successor while Amma was alive.
Jayalalithaa’s Niece Denied access to the Chief Minister
Amidst all the furore, Jayalalithaa’s niece Deepa Jayakumar was once again denied access to the Chief Minister. According to reports, AIADMK cadre who refused her entry and asked her to leave, turned abusive at one point leading to a scuffle.
Speaking to the media outside the hospital, Deepa said:
Since Jayalalithaa’s admission into Apollo, a complete security curtain has been raised around the Chief Minister, with only a select handful of people allowed to see her, and information about her condition being meticulously regulated to the bare minimum. Even Jayalalithaa’s relatives have had no access to her.
Apollo Shifts Patients to Other Branches
Some patients were shifted from Apollo Hospital to nearby hospitals on Monday evening as a fresh update claimed that Jayalalithaa’s health remained critical.
Supporters have been gathering outside the hospital since the news of the cardiac arrest which Jayalalithaa suffered on Sunday.
Bus Service Halted; Employees Asked to Leave Offices For Home
Employees were asked to leave their offices and head for home immediately on Monday afternoon as reports about Jayalalithaa’s worsening health continued. Additionally, bus services between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were halted on Monday evening.
Police Force Mobilised Across Chennai
A police memorandum stated that police personnel had been deployed across the city. Ramanujam K, Senior Editor, Puthiya Thalaimurai TV, Chennai, tweeted the image of the memorandum.
More police personnel were rushed and positioned outside the hospital, following which the Commissioner also arrived at Apollo.
The Quint is Live Outside Apollo
Additionally, AIADMK flag was first lowered at party headquarters in Royapettah, but it was raised again soon after.
Apollo Hospital tweeted saying Amma is still undergoing treatment.
The hospital’s official press release said that Amma “continues to be on life support” and added that the news of her death is “totally baseless and false”.
Venkaiah Naidu Leaves Apollo; Party Flag Raised Again
Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu was seen leaving the Apollo Hospital while AIADMK MLAs began and concluded the meeting at party headquarters.
Massive commotion and stone pelting ensued outside the hospital once local Tamil news channels broke the news of Jayalalithaa’s death. Police had to lathi-charge to prevent supporters from entering the hospital. However, soon the local channels retracted the reports. The violence was contained, but the wailing of Amma’s supporters continued.
Similar instances of violence were witnessed outside the AIADMK headquarters as well.
Naidu Briefs Prime Minister on Jayalalithaa’s Health
Late on Monday evening, Venkaiah Naidu briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Amma’s health. While Apollo Hospital maintained that the Chief Minister is on life support, Chennai faced a state of complete shutdown. All shops, movie halls and restaurants stayed closed.
Except for police personnel, the streets were completely deserted.
The situation outside Apollo remained tense.
C Ponnaiyan of the AIADMK said that a meeting of AIADMK MLAs could be held later on Monday night or on Tuesday.
AIADMK Members’ Meeting Underway at Party HQ
Legislators of Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK party, including former interim Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, O Panneerselvam are meeting at the party headquarters in Chennai.
On two occasions in the past, Jayalalithaa-loyalist Panneerselvam has served as the interim CM.
In case of Jayalalithaa’s demise, O Panneerselvam will reportedly be appointed as the CM. Raj Bhawan has, however, said that neither Panneeerselvawm nor Jayalalithaa’s advisor Sheela Balakrishnan has sought an appointment.
Politicians Condole Jayalalithaa’s Death
Besides PM Narendra Modi and HM Rajnath Singh, politicians from across the country took to Twitter to condole Jayalalithaa’s death.
The Quint at Apollo Hospital
The Quint was live from outside Apollo hospital after Jayalalithaa was declared dead. Thousands of people, including policemen, supporters and party members had gathered outside the hospital.
Jayaraman Jayalalithaa, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, declared dead by Apollo hospital in Chennai where she suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday night.
Besides those from thousands of Amma supporters, reactions from various politicians are pouring in. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted his condolences along with Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
Translation of Rajinikanth’s tweet: Not just TN, but all of India has lost its brave daughter and is in mourning. I pray to the almighty that our respectable CM's soul may rest in peace.
O Panneerselvam Sworn-in as TN CM
Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao swore-in O Panneerselvam as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after observing two minutes silence to respect J Jayalalithaa.
Along with Panneerselvam, 15 other minister of the state Assembly were also sworn-in.
Jayalalithaa’s body is taken from Apollo hospital to her residence at Poes Garden amid mourning supporters of Amma.
Ministers reach Jayalalithaa’s residence as newly sworn-in Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu O Panneerselvam reaches Apollo hospital.
Hundreds of supporters of J Jayalalithaa wait outside the hospital to witness the passage of her dead body. The body will be kept at Rajaji Hall for people to pay last respects.
The Day Amma Passed Away
Supporters of Jayalalithaa clashed with the police personnel outside her residence as her mortal remains were brought to Poes Garden.
Amma’s Mortal Remains Brought to Her Residence
The ambulance carrying Jayalalithaa's dead body will be leaving for Rajaji Hall from Poes Garden shortly.
Amma Being Taken to Her Final Destination
Amidst tears and sadness, people tried to catch a final glimpse of Jayalalithaa's dead body as the cavalcade left Poes Garden residence for Rajaji Hall where the body is going to be kept for people to pay their tributes.
Top political leaders of Tamil Nadu followed the motorcade to Amma's final destination.
Her funeral will be held on 4:30 pm, on Tuesda,y near Marina beach area, close to where her mentor MGR’s funeral was health.
The motorcade arrives at Rajaji Hall with the mortal remains of Jayalalithaa where people will pay homage to her until her funeral rites take place.
People raised slogans on Amma and showered the ambulance that has her body with flowers.
TN Govt Declares 6 December as Public Holiday
Tamil Nadu government declared 6 December as public holiday under Negotiable Instrument Act as a mark of respect to deceased Chief Minister, J Jayalalithaa.
India Mourns for Jayalalithaa
Modi, Rahul Expected at Rajaji Hall
Massive security deployed outside Rajaji Hall where top political leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi are also expected to visit to pay their tributes to Amma’s mortal remains.
Watch Jayalalithaa’s mortal remains being taken inside Rajaji Hall in the video below:
She is ‘The Leader’, Venkaiah Naidu Says in an Emotional Address
Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu offered his commiserations on Jayalalithaa's death in an emotional tribute. He also spoke about his personal relationship with the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Supporters and Leaders Pay Homage
Supporters have started to gather at Rajaji Hall in Chennai to pay their homage to the late Chief Minister.
The new Chief Minister O Pannerselvam and Venkaiah Naidu are also present.
- J Jayalalithaa was declared dead by Apollo hospital late on Monday night. She was 68.
- O Panneerselvam takes charge as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
- Seven-day state mourning will be observed from 6 December.
- Three days of holiday declared in schools and colleges of Tamil Nadu.
- Jayalalithaa’s body will be kept at Rajaji Hall for people to pay last respects.
- The funeral is scheduled to take place at 4:30 pm, near Marina beach area.
Follow all the live updates here.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)