What happened to Jayalalithaa?'

Actress Gautami Tadimalla has written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the secrecy and lack of transparency surrounding J. Jayalalithaa’s hospitalisation and death. She points out that, “the sheer volume of unanswered questions” about the hospitalisation, treatment, and sudden passing of Jayalalithaa has created a lot of doubt in the public’s mind.

Though the late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu had been in the hospital for some time, the news of her passing away sent out shock waves because not much was known about her health. Gautami indicated that Modi have to intervene to clear the air of suspicion and safeguard the citizens’ right to know the truth behind their leader’s death.

“It is a primary concern and right of every citizen of India to be aware of and informed about their democratically elected leaders. To be aware of their state of health and ability to perform their duties for the larger good of the people,” she wrote, adding, “There has been a near total blanketing of information regarding these matters. Nobody had been allowed access to her and many dignitaries who visited her with deep concern were denied an opportunity to convey their wishes in person. Why this secrecy and isolation of a beloved public leader and the head of the Tamil Nadu government? These and many other burning questions are being asked by the people of Tamil Nadu and I echo their voice in bringing them to your ears, sir.”

Despite having been in a relationship with Kamal Haasan — who never minced his words when speaking about the ex-CM — for over 13 years, Gautami has often expressed her admiration for Jayalalithaa.