Karunanidhi’s health stable with active medical support, says hospital

DMK president M Karunanidhi’s health is stable with ongoing active medical support, Kauvery hospital said in a statement issued at 8pm on Saturday. “He is continuously being monitored and treated by the panel of expert doctors in the Intensive Care Unit,” the hospital said.

The former Tamil Nadu chief minister’s blood pressure had dropped suddenly at 1 am on Saturday and was rushed to Kauvery hospital in the city.

On Saturday afternoon, DMK said the party president was stable and would remain in hospital for two more days before being discharged.

Anxious workers of DMK had made a beeline to the hospital to know the health condition of their 94-year-old leader following his admission to the hospital. Teary-eyed cadres from several parts of the state gathered in front of the hospital.

Students of Va Su boys higher secondary school in Tiruvarur conducted a joint prayer for the speedy recovery of Karunanidhi, as he was an alumni of the school.

In the afternoon, party spokesperson T K S Elangovan brought cheer to the workers, saying his health condition had stabilised.

“The blood pressure level has stabilised now and our leader is doing well. He will be in the hospital for next two days for further treatment,” Elangovan said.

In response, workers wished Karunanidhi good health and long life.

Defence minister Nirmala Seetharaman, Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader TTV Dhinakaran were among the prominent leaders who visited the hospital to enquire about Karunanidhi’s health.

Azad said that his party wishes Karunanidhi a speedy recovery.

“Karunanidhi is a senior leader in the country and the state needs his guidance and leadership. INC wishes him a speedy recovery. We believe he will return soon,” Azad said.

With the flow of workers increasing, policemen have put up barricades around the Kauvery hospital and only very senior leaders are being allowed to visit.

“I have come all the way from Mayiladuthurai of Nagapattinam district. I believe that my prayers for my leader will save him. He will come soon,” said M Rajarethinam, a 48-year-old party functionary waiting at the hospital.

Mostly, visitors have met Karunanidhi’s son Stalin as doctors have advised rest for the veteran leader, who is currently in the Intensive Care Unit.

Chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami said his government is ready to render all help for the treatment of Karunanidhi.

“Since Karunanidhi was a five-time chief minister, currently an MLA and leader of DMK, our government is ready to provide treatment for him,” the CM noted.

Chennai police have decided not to sanction any leave for its staff for the next few days.

“We also asked police personnel who are on leave to come back for duty,” said a top police official with the Greater Chennai city police.