Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday remembered former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on her birth anniversary, honoring her legacy as a compassionate leader and an outstanding administrator.

Posting a picture of her on X, PM Modi described Jayalalithaa as someone who was deeply committed to Tamil Nadu’s development and always supportive of pro-people initiatives.

“Remembering Jayalalithaa Ji on her birth anniversary. She is widely admired as a compassionate leader and outstanding administrator who devoted her life to Tamil Nadu’s development,” the Prime Minister wrote. “It is my privilege that I had the opportunity to interact with her on innumerable occasions. She was always very warm and supportive of pro-people initiatives.”

In Chennai, veteran actor Rajinikanth paid tribute to the late leader at her Poes Garden residence, laying floral offerings before her portrait. The ceremony was attended by Jayalalithaa’s niece, Deepa Madhavan, and former AIADMK leader Phugalendhi, marking a moment of remembrance for the beloved leader, fondly referred to as “Amma” by her supporters.

Jayalalithaa, who served as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister for three terms (1991-96, 2002-06, and 2011-14), is remembered as a charismatic and powerful leader who shaped the state’s political landscape.

Before entering politics, she was a celebrated actress, starring in over 130 films before joining the AIADMK in 1982. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the party’s propaganda secretary in 1983, later serving as a Rajya Sabha member and state legislator.

Her political career was marked by both triumphs and controversies, including legal battles and a brief imprisonment in 1996 following a raid at her residence. She also played a key role on the national stage, aligning with the BJP-led NDA in 1998 before later parting ways.

In 2014, she was convicted in a corruption case, leading to her temporary removal from office. However, she made a comeback before her tragic demise on December 5, 2016.

(Inputs from ANI)