Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today described the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s demise as a national loss while the state assembly was adjourned for the day after paying tributes to the departed leader.

Expressing grief over the death of Jayalalithaa in Chennai last night, Patnaik, who would be attending the AIADMK supremo’s funeral, said that she was the leader of the masses and had made immense contribution to the development and welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu.

Moving the obituary motion on Jayalalithaa’s death, in the Assembly, Patnaik described her as the ‘Iron Lady’ of Tamil Nadu.

Patnaik said, “Her benevolent measures endeared her to one and all. The people of Tamil Nadu affectionately referred her as Amma. She enjoyed a huge mandate and was known for her administrative calibre and political wisdom. She steered the state on the path of progress and prosperity.”

Her death is a great national loss, Patnaik said adding the people of Odisha stand in solidarity with the people of Tamil Nadu in this hour of grief and bereavement.

“I would also like to mention that I am proceeding to Chennai to attend her funeral,” Patnaik said.

Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra and BJP legislature party leader K V Singhdeo also paid tributes to Jayalalithaa and members of the Assembly stood in silence for a minute as a mark of respect, before Speaker Niranjan Pujari adjourned the house for the day.

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