Pranab pays last respects to Jayalalithaa

Chennai: President Pranab Mukherjee flew down to Chennai on Tuesday to pay his last respects to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, who died on Monday night.

As a sea of mourners thronged the Rajaji Hall here to have the last glimpse of their 'revolutionary leader', Mukherjee walked towards the coffin and laid a floral wreath to pay homage to the iconic leader.

Earlier, an Indian Air Force plane carrying Mukherjee to Chennai returned to Delhi some 30 minutes into the flight due to a technical snag after taking off. He then took another aircraft.

In a condolence message to Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao, Mukherjee said the country "has lost an icon who was loved and admired by millions."

"She was regarded one of India's most charismatic and popular leaders," Mukherjee said.