Anxious cadre of the DMK converged outside party president M. Karunanidhi’s house in Gopalapuram on Friday, praying for his speedy recovery.
The crowd, which comprised well-wishers and supporters of the veteran Dravidian leader, ranged from senior citizens to middle-aged men and women, youth and children. Their wait was punctuated by occasional raising of slogans, wishing Mr. Karunanidhi a long life.
With the party cadre worried about Mr. Karunanidhi’s health, many were heard discussing the future of the DMK.
The mood was predictably sombre, oscillating between disillusionment and hope that Mr. Karunanidhi, who has outlived many of his contemporaries and rivals, will successfully battle illness this time too.
In the afternoon, Mr. Karunanidhi’s son and party working president M.K Stalin told journalists waiting outside his residence that the veteran DMK leader was doing better, much to the relief of party cadre.
Later, DMK deputy leader in the Assembly Duraimurugan sought to quell all ‘rumours’ about Mr. Karunanidhi’s health, pointing out that “he had a grin on his face”, and appealed to the party cadre to go home. Most of them were hopeful that the DMK chief will overcome the health setback and live up to 100 years.
The police made elaborate security arrangements in and around the Gopalapuram residence. Personnel from the Tamil Nadu Special Police and the Chennai City police have been on duty around Mr. Karunanidhi’s house since Friday morning.
As there was huge congestion of vehicles on the street leading to his house, the police barred vehicles from entering the street. Iron barricades were installed at six vantage points and men in uniform were deployed to regulate traffic and control the crowd.
Late at night, the crowd began to disperse after Mr. Karunanidhi’s daughter and Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi left. TNCC leader Su. Thirunavukkarasar was among the leaders who visited Mr. Karunanidhi’s house in the evening.