Karunanidhi Health Update: Vitals normalising after transient setback, says hospital; police lathicharge Kalaignar's supporters
Karunanidhi Health Update: Chennai Police has restorted to mild lathicharge to disperse the crowd gathered outside Kauvery Hospital, as they refused to move despite assurances by A Raja
The Kauvery Hospital, where DMK President M Karunanidhi is being treated, has said that there was a transient setback in the clinical condition of Kalaignar, but his vital signs are normalising now. “With active medical support, his vital signs are normalising. He continues to be closely monitored and treated by the panel of expert doctors,” Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Executive Director of the hospital, said in the press release.
The bulletin was released amid chaos outside the hospital premises as hundreds of DMK supporters and locals gathered to inquire about the health of the party chief. (This copy was last updated at 11:40 pm, Sunday)
According to reports, Karunanidhi's health has deteriorated as his friends and family have started reaching the Chennai hospital, where he was admitted on Saturday after his blood pressure dropped. A massive crowd has also gathered outside the hospital despite very tight security. Police have cordoned off the roads leading to the hospital.
The 94-year-old veteran politician was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Kauvery Hospital here at 1.30 am on Saturday after his blood pressure dropped. Following treatment, Karunanidhi's blood pressure has stabilised but he continues to be in ICU, the hospital said in afternoon.
As it Happened:
10:57 pm:
10:55 pm: Karunanidhi's family, including son MK Stalin, leaves from hospital.
10:52 pm: Chennai Police resorts to mild thai charge to disperse the crowd outside Kauvery Hospital
10:30 pm: Kalaignar responding to treatment after minor setback, A Raja tells massive crowd outside hospital, requests them to disperse
10:20 pm: For the past two years, the DMK president has not been making any public appearance owing to his ill health, but he still holds the top post in the Dravidian party. Karunanidhi has not been keeping well since October 2016. A few days ago, he underwent a procedure to change his tracheostomy tube to help him in breathing.
10:15 pm: Karunanidhi, who is addressed as 'Kalaignar' (artiste) by his supporters, followers and some politicians, entered his 50th year as party chief on Friday July 27. On Saturday night too, the hospital said Karunanidhi's condition was stable with active medical support.
10:05 pm: Several political bigwigs had apid a visit to Karunanidhi in the hospital today. Besides VP Naidu, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, BJP leader Muralidhar Rao and the party’s Tamil Nadu unit party president Tamilisai Soundararajan also visited the hospital.
09:56 pm:
09:55 pm: There was a transient setback in the clinical condition of Kalaignar Dr M Karunanidhi, 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: Health Bulletin
09:46 pm: Karunanidhi's children Stalin, Alagiri and Kanimozhi along with his wife Rajathi Ammal are inside the Kauvery Hospital. Hospital bulletin is expected anytime after 10.30pm
09:40 pm: According to reports, the Tamil Nadu government has cancelled all government functions scheduled for tomorrow.
09:30 pm: Jayalalithaa's niece J Deepa visits Karunanidhi at Kauvery hospital. Medical bulletin to be released shortly: Reports
09:22 pm: Security has been intensified outside the hospital as crowd intensifies.
09:20 pm: According to reports, CM Palaniswami has rushed back to Kauvery hospital from Salem as the friends and family of Karunanidhi start reaching the hospital. former Union minister P Chidamabram also present.
09:10 pm:
09:00 pm: Massive crowd gathers outside Kauvery hospital in Chennai
Meanwhile, Indian Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu met Karunanidhi at the hospital and enquired about his health.
Naidu tweeted: "Met his family members and doctors and enquired about his health. Doctors said he is stable. Wish him a speedy recovery."
The DMK said in a statement that Naidu was accompanied by Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit. They spoke to doctors. Naidu also met Karunanidhi's son and DMK leader MK Stalin at the hospital.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on Saturday said the government is ready to render medical assistance to the ailing DMK President M Karunanidhi.
Speaking to reporters the Chief Minister said the state government is ready to provide medical assistance to the five-time former Chief Minister and now a legislator if requested by his family.