AGARTALA, Dec 6 (TIWN): The CPI-M on Tuesday mourned the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and described her as "a popular leader".

"Beginning her career in films at a very young age, Jayalalithaa later on
went to join the AIADMK and soon rose in its ranks," the Communist Party of India-Marxist said in a statement.

"A popular leader of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa served as Chief Minister for nearly 15 years. 

"Under her stewardship several popular welfare schemes were launched to provide immediate relief to the common people, which left a deep imprint on the politics of Tamil Nadu.

"We convey our deep condolences to the leadership and workers of the AIADMK," it added.