Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday described former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa as an extraordinary politician with a rare political acumen and administrative skills which made her a distinct leader in Indian politics.
She had a special liking for Kerala and always strived to uphold and maintain relations, Vijayan said in his condolence message.
"We do not have any other Chief Ministers in our country who have influenced people like this. Her passing away is not only a major loss to Tamil Nadu, but for the entire country'.
Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala was among those who condoled her death.
Jayalalithaa died at a private hospital in Chennai after prolonged illness on Monday night.
Kerala police had strengthened security in the districts bordering Tamil Nadu with additional forces being deployed in the border areas of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Idukki and Palakkad districts to prevent any untoward incidents.