Karunanidhi "extremely critical, unstable": Chennai hospital
Thousands of police personnel have been deployed in Chennai as DMK supremo Karunanidhi's followers continued gathering outside the Kauvery Hospital, which yesterday declared his health had declined. In the latest update, they said his vital organs are deteriorating "despite maximum medical support." Karunanidhi was admitted to the hospital on July 28, after days of being treated for urinary tract infection at home.
Today's statement from the hospital
Karunanidhi has been unwell for over a year
Recently, the former CM had a short hospital stay after a procedure to change his tracheostomy. On July 26, doctors said there was a "slight decline" in his health, adding he's being treated with intravenous antibiotics and fluids and is being monitored round the clock at his Gopalapuram home. The five-time CM has been unwell for over a year and is rarely seen in public.
He was rushed to hospital following drop in blood pressure
On July 27, Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin said his father's health was improving. But a few hours after midnight, he was rushed to the Kauvery Hospital at around 1:30 am after a drop in blood pressure. His other children MK Alagizhi and MK Kanimozhi were also present at the hospital.
Supporters kept gathering, gave up food and sleep
As the news spread, hundreds of Karunanidhi's followers started gathering outside the hospital. The visuals were unprecedented: they slept on roads, while some stood there the entire night to get an update about Kalaignar's health. One supporter said he had spent three days without food or water, waiting to know more about his health. Chants like 'Long Live Karunanidhi' and 'Yamraj Go Away' were heard at times.
21 DMK followers died of shock, Stalin said
Stalin later said that 21 DMK cadres had died over shock over his illness. The identities of these cadres weren't revealed by the party. In a statement, Stalin urged followers to not take any extreme measures, and that they should follow 'duty, dignity and discipline' to make Karunanidhi proud.
Top leaders have been visiting, police deployment increased
In the meantime, high profile visitors including the likes of President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu, Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi, former PM HD Deve Gowda, and actors-turned-politicians Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have been visiting Karunanidhi. Security has been beefed up outside the Kauvery hospital. According to HT, 6,500 police personnel have been deployed. Traffic diversions have also been imposed in parts.
