PM Modi’s Glowing Tribute To Jayalalitha For Commitment To Social Cause

In his monthly radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat, Mr. Modi said just a mention of “Amma” — as Jayalalithaa was often called — brings a glow to the faces of the people of Tamil Nadu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) voter base in poll-bound Tamil Nadu on Sunday by paying tribute to late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in recognition of her leadership and welfare initiatives.

He said Jayalalithaa, whose birth anniversary is on February 24, had a “crystal clear” thought process and had a lasting impact on the people of the State. The BJP is in alliance with the AIADMK in the State, where the Assembly election is expected to be held in April-May.

In his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, the Prime Minister said “Amma Jayalalithaa” worked for the welfare of society and that he still felt the deep affection the people of Tamil Nadu had for her. “Our ‘Nari Shakti’s’ connection with her has been even more special. This is also because, while in government, she made many commendable efforts for the welfare of mothers, sisters, and daughters,” he said.

The Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP on Sunday attacked the ruling DMK and said the law and order situation in the State was “in shambles”.

Recalling Jayalalithaa’s tenure, Mr. Modi said the late leader “took concrete steps to maintain law and order in the State”. “The spirit of patriotism was deeply embedded within her. She was also deeply proud of India’s cultural heritage,” Mr. Modi said. He recounted how Jayalalithaa attended his swearing-in ceremonies as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2002 and 2012.

“Her thinking was crystal clear and her thoughts uncluttered. This was a significant characteristic of hers. Many years ago, she invited me to Chennai over lunch on the auspicious occasion of Pongal. That affectionate gesture will remain unforgettable for me,” he said.

On multiple occasions in the past, Mr. Modi has spoken about his personal rapport with Jayalalithaa, who famously ended her 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign saying, “The lady in Tamil Nadu is better than Modi in Gujarat in governance.”

Courtesy: The Hindu