Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa here today.
He arrived at Rajaji Hall at 1.33 pm and was near the mortals of Jayalalithaa for nearly five minutes. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister passed away last night.
Modi was accompanied by Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao, Minister of State for Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan, and Rajya Sabha member L Ganesan.
The newly sworn-in Chief Minister O Paneerselvam was seen sobbing when he met Modi. After paying his respects to the departed leader, Modi had a brief chat with Jayalalithaa's close friend Sasikala.
Modi later waved to the crowd and left the venue at 1.40 pm.
Modi last night tweeted, "Deeply saddened at the passing away of Selvi Jayalalithaa. Her demise has left a huge void in Indian politics. I will always cherish the innumerable occasions when I had the opportunity to interact with Jayalalithaa ji. May her soul rest in peace. Jayalalithaa ji’s connect with citizens, concern for welfare of the poor, the women & marginalised will always be a source of inspiration."