The death of one of India’s most popular and controversial politicians, Jayaram Jayalalithaa has sparked mass mourning in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.<br /><br /> As chief minister there several times, she attracted a cult following among supporters some of whom viewed the former film star almost as a goddess.<br /><br /> The 68-year-old died late on Monday after suffering a heart attack in the state capital of Chennai where she had been treated in hospital for over two months.<br /><br /> India’s southern leader Jayalalithaa dies, setting off outpouring of grief as supporters gather in streets: https://t.co/uN5hfRpYbP pic.twitter.com/V6izBhZ0qR— Reuters India (@ReutersIndia) 5 décembre 2016<br /><br /> Tens of thousands of people gathered outside a memorial hall in Chennai, where Jayalalithaa’s body lay draped in the Indian flag. Many wailed and beat their chests in grief. <br /><br /> Security has been stepped up amid fears supporters would react erratically to her death.<br /><br /> “She was not only our leader, she was our god,“ said Paasarai Jeeva, a woman who said she had <br />been camping outside the hospital for a week.<br /><br /> Jayalalithaa Jayaram, a former film star who went on to become a powerful and controversial politician, dies at 68 https://t.co/5ygICfTsTg— AFP news agency (@AFP) 5 décembre 2016<br /><br /> Despite corruption claims that saw her spend time in jail, Jayaram Jayalalitha – known fondly as ‘Amma’ or mother – remained hugely popular, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending her funeral on Tuesday.<br /><br /> “Jayalalithaa ji’s connect with the citizens, concern for welfare of the poor, the women and marginalized will always be a source of inspiration,“ Modi said.<br /><br /> Deeply saddened at the passing away of Selvi Jayalalithaa. Her demise has left a huge void in Indian politics.— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 5 décembre 2016<br /><br /> Jayalalithaa ji’s connect with citizens, concern for welfare of the poor, the women & marginalized will always be a source of inspiration.— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 5 décembre 2016<br /><br /> Seven days of mourning have been declared for Jayaram Jayalalithaa who starred in more than 100 films from the 1960s.<br /><br /> with Reuters<br />
