With Assembly elections approaching in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in his monthly radio broadcast ‘Mann Ki Baat’, ahead of her birth anniversary on February 24.In the half-hour address, Modi also announced that a statue of India’s first Governor-General, C Rajagopalachari, will be unveiled at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. The statue will replace that of British architect Edwin Lutyens, who designed the President’s House and the capital complex.Framing the move as part of the government’s effort to shed colonial symbols, Modi said the country was replacing “symbols of slavery” with those reflecting Indian culture. “On February 23, ‘Rajaji Utsav’ will be celebrated. On this occasion, Rajagopalachari’s statue will be unveiled in the central courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was the first Indian Governor-General of independent India… His conduct, self-restraint and independent thinking inspire us even today,” he said.Modi added that even after Independence, statues of British administrators remained in Rashtrapati Bhavan, while Indian leaders were denied space. An exhibition on Rajagopalachari will also be held during the Rajaji Utsav, he said.Praising Jayalalithaa, Modi said she “worked for the welfare of society” and remained in the hearts of the people. “Amma ji was one such popular leader,” he said.“The mention of Jayalalithaa brings a glow to the faces of the people of Tamil Nadu. While in government, she made many commendable efforts for the welfare of mothers, sisters and daughters. She also took concrete steps to maintain law and order in the state. The spirit of patriotism was deeply embedded in her, and she was immensely proud of India’s cultural heritage. Every meeting and every conversation with Jayalalithaa is still fresh in my mind. She attended two of my swearing-in ceremonies in Gujarat, in 2002 and 2012. When we were both Chief Ministers of our respective states, we often discussed issues of good governance. Her thinking was crystal clear and uncluttered — a significant characteristic of hers. Many years ago, she invited me to Chennai for lunch on Pongal. That affectionate gesture will remain unforgettable for me. Once again, I pay my humble tributes to her,” Modi added.Jayalalithaa’s mention comes weeks before the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where the BJP has allied with her party, AIADMK.With Kerala also heading to polls in April, Modi referred to Mamangam — also known as the Kerala Kumbh — held in Tirunavaya on the banks of the Bharathapuzha river. He said the centuries-old tradition, which had faded over time, was being revived as part of a broader effort to reconnect with India’s heritage.