DMK Supporters’ Emotions Run High Over Karunanidhi’s Critical State  

Kalaignar M Karunanidhi Critical, Emotions Run High: DMK chief and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi is said to be critical at Kauvery hospital in Chennai. He is 94 years old. He was battling an infection for more than a year now and doctors say that he has contracted jaundice which is making it difficult for him to respond to treatment.

The doctors had earlier treated him at his residence in Gopalapuram but rushed him to Kauvery hospital after his health condition deteriorated on July 29. There were rumours of his death back then itself after security was stepped up in the region with more police personnel being deployed on duty while Tamil Naidu Chief Minister Palaniswamy was asked to cut short his trip and return to Chennai. There were also reports that the the former five-time chief minister of Tamil Nadu had died and the government was keeping the news a secret to maintain law and order situation in the state. Situation outside the hospital worsened after supporters demanded to have a glimpse of their beloved leader. Karunanidhi's son Mk Stalin appealed for calm trying to console the crowd.

Also Read: Chennai Alert Over Karunanidhi Death News, Police Leaves Cancelled

However, the hospital released a health bulletin that the veteran politician had been responding well to treatment. Also, they released several photos of the leader sleeping in his hospital bed during the visit of prominent leaders from across the state, including AICC president Rahul Gandhi and Rajinikanth.

This morning too, there were reports that Karunanidhi was stable and fit enough to move around in a wheel chair. However, the Kauvery hospital where the Kaliagnar is being treated released a statement this evening saying that maintaining the vital organ functions of the Kalaignar was a challenge considering his age related ailments.

Have a look at the tweet...

Soon as word broke of the ailing leader's failing health, supporters of the Kalaignar thronged the hospital. Police found it hard to control the crowd. Pro-Kalaignar slogans rent the air while situation outside the hospital remains tense.

It may be recalled that there was widespread violence and unrest in Chennai after the death of Puratchi Thalaivi J Jayalalithaa, the then chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

With the doctors admitting to the fact that the next 24 hours are critical, anything could happen anytime. Supporters are waiting with bated breath hoping for some good news about the Kalaignar. Karunanidhi's followers are praying for his good health.

Meanwhile, the police has beefed up security in and around Tamil Nadu to be prepared for any eventuality.

According to latest reports Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin and daughter Kanimozhi left the hospital. Also, his wife Dayalu Ammal visited him in the hospital for the first time after he was admitted.

Crowds Swell Outside Kauvery Hospital

DMK President M. Karunanidhi was on Monday fighting a grim battle for life as his health deteriorated, sparking concerns among DMK workers and well-wishers who started thronging the hospital where he has been warded for the last 10 days.

Doctors said the 94-year-old former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's response to medical intervention over the next 24 hours would determine the prognosis.

"There has been a decline in the medical condition of Karunanidhi. Maintaining his vital organ functions continues to remain a challenge considering his age related ailments," said a statement from Kauvery Hospital.

"He is on continuous monitoring and being treated with active medical support. His response to medical interventions over the next 24 hours will determine the prognosis," it said.

Hundreds of DMK workers started marching towards the Kauvery hospital in Alwarpet in the heart of the city as news of deterioration of Karunanidhi's health broke out in the evening. Traffic in various parts of the city was paralysed.

Outside the hospital, the DMK cadres kept shouting: "Get up and Come."

DMK General Secretary K. Anbalagan, Karunanidhi's family members and other leaders rushed to the hospital and had to wade through crowds who were still confident that the leader would fight the odds and come out victorious.

Police deployment was also stepped up to keep the situation under control.

The five-time Chief Minister was admitted to Kauvery Hospital on July 28 after a dip in blood pressure.

On July 31 the Kauvery Hospital said: "Although there has been resolution of the condition which led to his hospital admission, an extended period of hospitalisation will be necessary due to age related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters."

Late on Monday, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari visited the hospital and enquired about Karunanidhi's health.

In the last 10 days, a virtual Who's Who of Indian politics - right from President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and leaders from various parties including the BJP, Left and others - visited the hospital to express their wishes for Karunanidhi's speedy recovery.

Let's check out Kalaignar fans reactions on Twitter...