India mourns prominent politician Jayaram Jayalalithaa

The death of one of India’s most popular and controversial politicians, Jayaram Jayalalithaa has sparked mass mourning in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

As chief minister there several times, she attracted a cult following among supporters some of whom viewed the former film star almost as a goddess.

The 68-year-old died late on Monday after suffering a heart attack in the state capital of Chennai where she had been treated in hospital for over two months.

India’s southern leader Jayalalithaa dies, setting off outpouring of grief as supporters gather in streets: https://t.co/uN5hfRpYbP pic.twitter.com/V6izBhZ0qR— Reuters India (@ReutersIndia) 5 décembre 2016

Tens of thousands of people gathered outside a memorial hall in Chennai, where Jayalalithaa’s body lay draped in the Indian flag. Many wailed and beat their chests in grief. 

Security has been stepped up amid fears supporters would react erratically to her death.

“She was not only our leader, she was our god,“ said Paasarai Jeeva, a woman who said she had 
been camping outside the hospital for a week.

Jayalalithaa Jayaram, a former film star who went on to become a powerful and controversial politician, dies at 68 https://t.co/5ygICfTsTg— AFP news agency (@AFP) 5 décembre 2016

Despite corruption claims that saw her spend time in jail, Jayaram Jayalalitha – known fondly as ‘Amma’ or mother – remained hugely popular, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending her funeral on Tuesday.

“Jayalalithaa ji’s connect with the citizens, concern for welfare of the poor, the women and marginalized will always be a source of inspiration,“ Modi said.

Deeply saddened at the passing away of Selvi Jayalalithaa. Her demise has left a huge void in Indian politics.— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 5 décembre 2016

Jayalalithaa ji’s connect with citizens, concern for welfare of the poor, the women & marginalized will always be a source of inspiration.— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 5 décembre 2016

Seven days of mourning have been declared for Jayaram Jayalalithaa who starred in more than 100 films from the 1960s.

with Reuters