**Bhubaneswar: ** Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday expressed his shock and grief at the death of Chief Minister J.
Jayalalithaa, calling her the iron lady of Tamil Nadu.
“I am deeply shocked at the passing away of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Selvi J Jayalalithaa .
She was a leader of masses , and had made immense contribution to the development and welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu. She enjoyed a huge mandate, and was known for her administrative caliber and political sagacity. She was the iron lady of Tamil Nadu who successfully steered the state on the path of progress and prosperity.
Her benevolent measures endeared her to one and all. The people of Tamil Nadu affectionately referred her as Amma.
Her death is a great National loss. The people of Odisha stand in solidarity with the people of Tamil Nadu in this hour of grief and bereavement.
I pray that her soul may rest in peace. ”
Mourning the death, members of Odisha Assembly on the day observed one-minute silence for the departed soul.
As the House assembled for the day, Chief Minister and Leader of the House Naveen Patnaik moved a condolence motion which was supported by Opposition members.
Following a silent prayer, Speaker Niranjan Pujari adjourned the House till tomorrow (Wednesday) as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
National Flag was flown half mast at the State Secretariat here on the day as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
The Odisha Chief Minister later on the day left for Chennai in a special helicopter to pay his last respects and to attend the funeral of her foster sister Jayalalithaa who was a friend in need for Odisha, especially during natural disasters.
The 68-year-old Jayalalithaa, who was in Apollo Hospitals since September 22, suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday and died on Monday at 11.30 p.m.
Jayalalithaa’s body was shifted to her residence at Poes Garden on Tuesday.
After performance of the last ceremonial rites as per tradition her body was shifted to Rajaji Hall for people to pay their last respects to the departed leader.
Draped in tricolour Jayalalithaa’s body is at Rajaji Hall.
