AIADMK and BJP Leaders Honor Jayalalithaa on Her 77th Birthday

Chennai, Feb 24 (NationPress) Leaders from AIADMK and BJP paid floral tributes to the esteemed former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK general secretary, J. Jayalalithaa, on her 77th birth anniversary this Monday.

Leading the homage, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami gathered at the party headquarters in Royapettah, Chennai. Joined by senior leaders and party members, he garlanded the beautifully adorned statue of Jayalalithaa, expressing profound respect.

During the celebrations, Palaniswami also cut a 77-kg cake and shared it with party workers. He recalled Jayalalithaa’s well-known phrase, “Makkalaal naan, makkalukkagave naan” (I exist for the people, I am dedicated to the people), urging AIADMK members to strive for victory in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.

“We will forge a victorious alliance under AIADMK’s guidance. Major achievements are ahead. Let’s work diligently to preserve Amma’s legacy,” he remarked in a post on the social media platform X.

Former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam (OPS), who has been expelled from AIADMK, paid his tributes at a different site in Chennai, accompanied by his supporters.

Additionally, numerous BJP leaders honored Jayalalithaa on this significant occasion. Among them were Union Minister of State L. Murugan, Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai, senior leader Nainar Nagendran, and former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, all acknowledging the late leader’s invaluable contributions to the state.

L. Murugan commended Jayalalithaa’s commitment to social welfare, emphasizing her groundbreaking initiatives that enhanced the lives of countless individuals in Tamil Nadu.

“Today, we celebrate the resilient spirit and visionary leadership of Selvi J. Jayalalithaa, whose relentless pursuit to uplift the marginalized continues to motivate us. Her legacy in social justice and education will forever be cherished,” he stated.

K. Annamalai, through a social media post, referred to her as a genuine patriot and an inspiring leader.

“On this momentous day, we commemorate the legacy of a distinguished leader who made a profound impact on Tamil Nadu’s politics and society. Her selfless dedication to uplifting the common people will be a guiding beacon for future generations,” he expressed.

Tamilisai Soundararajan also paid her respects, recalling Jayalalithaa’s exceptional leadership and her ability to engage with the public.

“As we celebrate Amma Jayalalithaa’s birth anniversary, I reflect on her remarkable strength and resilience. She adeptly maneuvered the complexities of politics with unmatched compassion and kindness, earning affection and respect across party lines,” she remarked.

Born on February 24, 1948, Jayalalithaa significantly influenced Tamil Nadu’s welfare policies. Her initiatives, such as Amma Canteen, Amma Pharmacy, providing Gold for Thali (mangalsutra) for impoverished women, and programs for girl child welfare, notably improved the lives of the underprivileged.

She was also acknowledged for her contributions to the state’s reservation policies, her steadfast stance on safeguarding Tamil Nadu’s rights in the Cauvery water dispute, and her dominance in a male-dominated political arena.

Jayalalithaa passed away on December 5, 2016, following a hospitalization that lasted over 75 days.

To honor her birth anniversary, AIADMK organized blood donation drives across Tamil Nadu and distributed welfare aids, including mixers, grinders, sewing machines, and medical kits, to those in need.