PM Modi Pays Tributes to Jayalalithaa, Hails Her Welfare Work for Women of Tamil Nadu

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid glowing tributes to late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, whose birth anniversary falls in two days, saying she lives in the hearts of people for her efforts towards women’s welfare and maintenance of law and order. In his monthly radio broadcast, Mann Ki Baat, Modi said that even mentioning ‘Amma’, as Jayalalithaa was often called, brings a glow to the faces of the people of Tamil Nadu.

Paying tribute to the AIADMK leader ahead of his birth anniversary on February 24, the Prime Minister said that those who work for the welfare of society in India and keep the people at the forefront in their noble deeds always remain in the hearts of the people.

Modi said Jayalalithaa was a very popular leader and added that she still felt the deep love felt by the people of Tamil Nadu for her when she visited the state.

Modi said the country’s association with ‘Nari Shakti’ is even more special because of his laudable efforts for the “welfare of mothers, sisters and daughters” and the concrete steps he has taken to maintain law and order in the state.

“Amma Jayalalithaa ji lives in the hearts of people in Tamil Nadu. The spirit of patriotism was deeply ingrained in her,” he said.

Modi said the former prime minister also took great pride in India’s cultural heritage.

The Prime Minister also reminded that Jayalalithaa attended two swearing-in ceremonies as the chief minister of Gujarat in 2002 and 2012.

“When we were both chief ministers of our respective states, we often discussed issues like good governance. His thoughts were very clear and his thoughts were orderly. This was an important characteristic of him,” he said.

Modi said that years ago he invited him to Chennai for lunch on the auspicious occasion of Pongal.

“This loving gesture will remain unforgettable for me… His services to the public will always be remembered,” he said.