DMK president M. Karunanidhi’s health suffered a setback on Monday and doctors treating him at the Kauvery Hospital in Chennai set a 24-hour timeframe to determine the prognosis.
A large number of DMK cadres and supporters gathered outside the hospital soon after it issued a medical bulletin at 6.30 p.m on Monday, announcing that there was a decline in his medical condition.
“Maintaining his vital organ functions continues to remain a challenge considering his age-related ailments. He is on continuous monitoring and being treated with active medical support. His response to the medical intervention over the next 24 hours will determine the prognosis,” Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, executive director of Kauvery Hospital said in the bulletin.
On Monday, the ailing leader was visited by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Earlier, his wife Dayalu Ammal, suffering from memory loss and confined to her Gopalapuram house, visited the hospital for the first time since Mr. Karunanidhi was admitted.
Mr. Karunanidhi was admitted to the hospital following a drop in his blood pressure in the early hours of July 28. Since then the five-time Chief Minister's medical status has gone through ups and downs. After a setback on July 29, he continues to be hospitalised for an extended period due to age-related ailments, and is under "active medical support".
A spate of visitors have seen the 94-year-old leader during the past few days, including the President of India Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. Actor-turned-politicians Kamal Haasan and Rajnikanth and actors Vijay and Ajith, also visited the hospital.
Click here to read Monday's updates.
Here are the live updates today:
MDMK founder Vaiko arrives at Kauvery Hospital. TN Congress leader E.V.K.S. Elangovan and actor Udhayanidhi Stalin also arrive.
M. Karunanidhi's son M.K Stalin arrives at Kauvery Hospital. Party cadres gather outside, waving flags. DMK leader A. Raja also arrives.
Mr. Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi and DMK leader A. Raja arrive at Kauvery Hospital early on Tuesday. Over 1200 armed reserve policemen are on standby. Already, 400 men have been deployed around the hospital.
The scene outside M. Karunanidhi's house at Gopalapuram in Chennai early on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 | Photo Credit: K.V. Srinivasan
Mylapore Deputy Commissioner NK Mayilvahanan is at the hospital. Crowd management measures are being put in place. Luz Church Road has been blocked from Nageshwara Rao park towards Kauvery Hospital. Vehicles are being allowed towards St. Isabel's hospital.
(Inputs from Tamil Nadu bureau)