PM Modi pays tribute to ‘charismatic leader’ Jayalalithaa on 78th birth anniversary
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid rich tribute to former Tamil Nadu chief minister, late J Jayalalithaa, and said she made a place in the hearts and minds of countless people as a charismatic leader and an outstanding administrator.
On the 78th birth anniversary of the AIADMK stalwart, the prime minister also said that as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa championed welfare-driven governance with a strong focus on women empowerment, social justice and inclusive development.
“Remembering Jayalalithaa Ji on her birth anniversary. She has made a place in the hearts and minds of countless people as a charismatic leader and outstanding administrator," Modi wrote on X.
Stating that her life journey was one of immense grit and determination, Modi said, “She was both compassionate and decisive. I recall with great joy my interactions with her.”
The prime minister also recalled what he said about Jayalalithaa in his monthly radio address, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, on Sunday.
In the programme, Modi said she lives in the hearts of the people as she took commendable efforts for the welfare of women and maintenance of law and order.
The mention of 'Amma Jayalalithaa' brings a glow to the faces of the people of Tamil Nadu, while the connection of the country's 'Nari Shakti' with her has been even more special, the prime minister said.
He said that in India, those who work for the welfare of society, those who prioritise the public in their noble deeds, always remain in the hearts of the people.
The prime minister said Jayalalithaa was one such popular leader, and he can still feel the deep affection the people of Tamil Nadu had for her whenever he visits the state.
This is also because, while in government, she made many commendable efforts for the welfare of mothers, sisters and daughters and also took concrete steps to maintain law and order, the prime minister said in ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
Recalling their friendship, he said Jayalalithaa attended two of his swearing-in ceremonies as chief minister of Gujarat, in 2002 and 2012.
"When we were both chief ministers, we often discussed topics like good governance. Her thinking was crystal clear, and her thoughts were uncluttered. This was a significant characteristic of her," Modi said in his monthly address.
The prime minister also said that many years ago, Jayalalithaa invited him to Chennai for lunch on the occasion of Pongal.
“That affectionate gesture will remain with me. Once again, I pay my humble tributes to her. Her services to the people will always be remembered,” Modi said.
Popular as 'Amma', Jayalalithaa served as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu multiple times between 1991 and 2016.
She passed away on December 5, 2016.
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Three dead after drinking country liquor in Meerut, police initiate probe
Meerut (UP) (PTI): Three people died under suspicious circumstances after consuming country liquor in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Preliminary probe has not confirmed if they died due to the quality of alcohol, officials said on Saturday.
All three vomited and had abdominal pain after drinking the liquor on Friday evening and were rushed to a hospital where they were declared dead. A post-mortem will determine the exact cause of death, they said.
According to the police, Baburam (60), a grocery shop owner, Jitendra (35), who worked at his shop and Ankit alias Daulat (40), purchased liquor in the evening from a government-authorised country liquor outlet and began drinking at the spot.
Shortly after drinking the liquor, the health of all three deteriorated, and they began complaining of vomiting and abdominal pain.
The three were rushed to a private hospital, where doctors declared Jitendra and Ankit dead, while Baburam passed away during treatment.
Additional Director General (ADG) of Police for the Meerut Zone, Bhanu Bhaskar, District Magistrate VK Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Avinash Pandey, and District Excise Officer Pradeep Kumar reached the spot and initiated an investigation.
SSP Avinash Pandey said that preliminary investigations have not confirmed whether the liquor was "toxic or expired". The bottling date was found to be February 11, 2026, and other bottles from the same batch received no such complaints.
He added that a post-mortem will determine the exact cause of death. Personnel from the Health, Forensic, Surveillance, and Intelligence teams have been constituted to investigate the matter.
Following the incident, the family members created a ruckus at the hospital. Police said further action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
