DMK supremo Karunanidhi’s health suffers decline, cadres gather outside hospital

Former chief minister and DMK supremo Karunanidhi’s health condition suffered a decline on Monday evening, according to a medical bulletin released by Kauvery Hospital where he has been admitted, indicating that his response to the medical treatments in the next 24-hours may direct further course of medical action.
“There has been a decline in the medical condition of Kalaignar Dr M Karunanidhi…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 interventions over the next 24 hours will determine the prognosis,” said the bulletin.
Even before the medical update emerged, cadres gathered outside the Kauvery hospital and raised slogans urging their leader to rise and come back. By 6.30 pm, after the release of the bulletin, the number of cadres steadily increased as the chorus of the chants grew louder and gathered more vigour. While crowds had begun to increase, the numbers was not as large as the night of 29 July when the hospital, amid rumours of serious deterioration had announced that the leader suffered a serious setback.
Vehicular traffic flowed right around the hospital on Monday even as groups of spirited Kalaignar fans shouted slogans while holding his portraits and waving DMK flags. However signs were rife that the crowds could swell through the night, as more people trickled in with news of his declined medical condition spreading. The road outside the Kauvery hospital was barricaded and police personnel were deployed around the area to enable smooth vehicular movement in and outside the hospital.

Earlier on Monday Karunanidhi‘s wife Dayalu Ammal visited the ailing leader for the first time since he was admitted in late July. She was brought to the hospital on a wheelchair by the couple’s third son MK Tamilarasu. Following her visit, the Tamil NaduCongress Committee president S Thirunavukkarasar arrived at the hospital to enquire about the nonagenarian’s health, late in the afternoon. Speaking to media persons Thirunavukkarasar had said that after some setback, Karunanidhi’s condition was improving.

President Ram Nath Kovind visited the ailing DMK supremo on Sunday, accompanied by Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit. “Visited Thiru Karunanidhi met Kalaignar’s family members and doctors and inquired about his health. Wishing the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a veteran of our public life, a quick recovery,” he had tweeted on his official tweeter account.

The veteran politician’s health had suffered a “transient setback” on 29 July, following which the hospital had announced a longer stay-in to treat a liver condition and other haemetological afflictions in his body.