J. Jayalalithaa (1948-2016)

J. Jayalalithaa was a prominent Indian politician who served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for a total of six terms. Born on February 24, 1948, in Mysore, Karnataka, she grew up in Bangalore and completed her education in Chennai. Jayalalithaa began her career as an actress in the Tamil film industry and went on to become one of the most popular and successful actresses of her time.

However, it was her foray into politics that brought her into the limelight. In 1982, she joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), a regional political party in Tamil Nadu, and soon became a close aide of its founder and leader, M.G. Ramachandran (MGR).

After MGR's death in 1987, Jayalalithaa's rise to power was swift. In 1989, she was elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from the Bodinayakkanur constituency, and within a year, she became the leader of the opposition. In 1991, she became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the first time, and since then, she held the position five more times, making her one of the most successful politicians in the state's history.

As Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa was known for her strong leadership and populist policies. She implemented several welfare schemes aimed at improving the lives of the poor and marginalized sections of society, such as the distribution of free laptops to students and the distribution of subsidized food to the poor.

Jayalalithaa's tenure was not without controversy, however. She was often accused of corruption and was embroiled in several legal battles throughout her career. In 2014, she was convicted of corruption and sentenced to four years in prison, although she was acquitted by the Karnataka High Court in 2015.

Jayalalithaa's health had been a cause for concern for several years, and she was admitted to hospital on September 22, 2016, after complaining of fever and dehydration. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she suffered a cardiac arrest on December 4, 2016. Despite the best efforts of the medical team treating her, she passed away the following day, on December 5, 2016.

Jayalalithaa's death was mourned by millions of her supporters across Tamil Nadu and the rest of India. She was widely regarded as a charismatic and dynamic leader who worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu.

Jayalalithaa's legacy continues to be felt in Tamil Nadu, where she remains a revered figure. Her populist policies and strong leadership style have inspired several other politicians, both within Tamil Nadu and across the country.

In conclusion, 

J. Jayalalithaa was a prominent Indian politician who served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for six terms. She was known for her strong leadership and populist policies aimed at improving the lives of the poor and marginalized sections of society. Despite facing several legal challenges and accusations of corruption, she remained a popular and revered figure in Tamil Nadu until her death in 2016.