Story highlights
- Jayaraman Jayalalithaa has died at 68
- The former movie star was universally known as 'amma,' or mother
(CNN)Jayaraman Jayalalithaa, one of India's most powerful politicians and the only female chief minister to be elected in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, has died. She was 68.
Rumors have swirled for more than two months about the health of the politician, who was better known simply as Jayalalithaa. She was admitted to Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, the capital of her state, on September 22, complaining of fever and dehydration.
Her doctors said she suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday, December 4. Nearing midnight on Monday, Apollo Hospitals released a statement saying "every possible attempt was made to sustain her," before announcing her death.
Despite the late hour, Indian leaders were quick to offer their condolences.
India's President Pranab Mukherjee took to Twitter to say "her contribution to the progress and development of Tamil Nadu will be long remembered." Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted, saying her "concern for welfare of the poor, the women, and the marginalized will always be a source of inspiration."
Tamil Nadu has declared seven days of state mourning, and shut schools and colleges for three days.
Indian sup