Politics – Leaders Recall Jayalalithaa’s Legacy on 78th Anniversary
Politics – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday honoured the memory of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on her 78th birth anniversary, describing her as a determined leader whose administrative decisions left a lasting imprint on the state’s development landscape.
Tributes from the Prime Minister
In a message shared on social media platform X, Narendra Modi reflected on Jayalalithaa’s journey in public life, noting that she earned admiration for her leadership qualities and firm governance style. He highlighted her focus on welfare-oriented policies, particularly those aimed at strengthening opportunities for women and promoting inclusive growth across Tamil Nadu.
The Prime Minister also recalled his personal meetings with Jayalalithaa, saying he remembered their interactions with warmth. According to him, her approach combined compassion with decisiveness, qualities that helped her connect deeply with people across social and economic backgrounds.
Focus on Welfare and Women’s Empowerment
Jayalalithaa, often referred to as “Amma” by her supporters, was widely known for introducing welfare schemes that targeted vulnerable communities. During her tenure as Chief Minister, she rolled out initiatives aimed at improving access to essential services and enhancing social security for low-income households.
In his remarks, Modi pointed out that she placed particular emphasis on women’s empowerment. Several of her flagship programmes were designed to expand economic participation for women while also reinforcing social justice measures. He added that her governance model ensured firm law and order, which he said contributed to stability in the state.
Reference in ‘Mann Ki Baat’
The Prime Minister also mentioned Jayalalithaa during the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat. Speaking about leaders who devoted their lives to public welfare, he said such figures continue to live on in public memory because of their service to society.
Recalling his visits to Tamil Nadu, Modi said he could still sense the affection that people in the state held for the late leader. He described her as someone who consistently prioritised the needs of the public in her political decisions.
Amit Shah Pays Homage
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also marked the occasion with a tribute on X. He said Jayalalithaa’s efforts were instrumental in reshaping Tamil Nadu’s development path, particularly through schemes aimed at supporting economically weaker sections.
Shah noted that her administration worked to ensure that the benefits of government policies reached even the most marginalised citizens. He described her commitment to public service as a source of inspiration for political leaders and citizens alike.
A Political Journey Spanning Decades
Born in 1948, J. Jayalalithaa went on to become one of Tamil Nadu’s most influential political figures. She served five terms as Chief Minister between 1991 and 2016, holding office for more than fourteen years in total.
Her entry into active politics came in 1982 when she joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the party founded by M. G. Ramachandran. Over time, she emerged as the party’s central figure and played a decisive role in shaping its electoral fortunes.
Throughout her tenure, Jayalalithaa remained a dominant presence in state politics, navigating both electoral victories and political challenges. Her governance style, marked by a mix of welfare expansion and administrative control, continues to influence discussions on Tamil Nadu’s policy direction.
As leaders across party lines remember her contributions, her birth anniversary has once again brought attention to her enduring impact on the state’s political and social fabric.