Tamil Nadu CM visits Karunanidhi in hospital day after ‘unexpected setback’

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami said DMK chief M Karunanidhi was doing well after he and his deputy O Panneerselvam visited the 94-year-old leader at a Chennai hospital Monday morning.

“I have just met him in Kauvery hospital, he is better and is recovering well,” Palaniswami said after meeting Karunanidhi.

A DMK spokesperson also said Karunanidhi’s health condition is stable and his vital signs are normal.

“Karunanidhi’s condition is now stable after a minor setback in the form of breathing problem on Sunday night. The doctors at Kauvery Hospital are monitoring his condition,” TKS Elangovan said.

He said Karunanidhi who was admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) has been moving his hands and legs and also opened his eyes.

The five-time chief minister who has never lost an election was moved to the hospital early Saturday in critical condition and had suffered a temporary setback Sunday night. But his family and the hospital said that he has since recovered.

“There has been an unexpected setback in the health of Karunanidhi. But after critical medical care, he is normalising. A team of doctors is continuously monitoring and treating him. I appeal to the cadres to not indulge in any violence, not obstruct police and not disturb public,” said MK Stalin, Karunanidhi’s son and political heir.

The hospital issued a statement saying, “There was a transient setback in the clinical condition of Karuanidhi, DMK President and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. With active medical support, his vital signs are normalising. He continues to be closely monitored and treated by the panel of expert doctors.”

DMK workers continued to throng the hospital premises despite a plea by police to avoid crowding the area and an appeal from the party leader Stalin to maintain calm and cooperate with police in maintaining law and order.

Late Sunday night, police resorted to a mild baton charge as cadres did not disperse from the area to make way for DMK leaders to leave the hospital.

Karunanidhi was being treated for fever due to urinary tract infection with intravenous antibiotics and fluids at his home before falling blood pressure necessitated admission to the hospital.

First Published: Jul 30, 2018 12:03 IST