Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa won't attend Kalam's last rites

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Wednesday said that she would not attend Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's last rites in Rameswaram due to her health condition. Jayalalithaa said that to represent her, she has deputed the state government and seven cabinet colleagues to the funeral.

Jayalalithaa in a statement said, "I have great love and respect for Mr APJ Abdul Kalam. It is my desire to attend his funeral and pay respects to him. However, due to my health condition I am unable to undertake a journey."

"I have also directed that a public holiday be declared tomorrow as a mark of respect to Kalam", she added.

On behalf of the Chief Minister, the ministers- Edappady K Palaniswamy, O Panneerselvam, R Vaithilingam, Natham R Viswanathan, S Sundararaj, RB Uthayakumar and P Palaniappan will attend the funeral.