Karunanidhi health: Stalin says 21 DMK cadres died of shock
What's the story
DMK working president and M Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin said he was saddened by the death of 21 DMK cadres. They, apparently, couldn't bear the shock of Kalaignar's illness.
The identities of these cadres weren't revealed by the party.
In a statement, Stalin urged DMK followers to not take any extreme measures and told them Karunanidhi was responding well to the treatment.
The appeal
Don't take any extreme steps, Stalin tells DMK cadres
Stalin appealed to cadres that they should follow 'duty, dignity and discipline', to make Kalaignar and Anna (Annadurai- the party's founder) proud.
"No one should take any extreme step that may result in loss of their lives," Stalin said.
He also read a document from Kauvery Hospital, where Karunanidhi is undergoing treatment, and assured he was constantly being monitored.
Sea of support
As Kalaignar stays in hospital, DMK cadres wait outside it
Outside the Kauvery Hospital in Chennai, hundreds of supporters have been waiting for days, to get an update on Karunanidhi's health.
Many supporters have been sleeping on the streets, others said they hadn't eaten for days. They are all praying for his well-being.
Notably, DK leader K. Veeramani, asked cadres to not follow any superstition and added only medicines will make the leader better.
Hospital's statement
Karunanidhi may be kept in hospital for some time
On July 28, Karunanidhi was shifted to the hospital from his Goplapuram residence, where he was undergoing treatment for urinary tract infection.
The executive director Dr Aravindan Selvaraj said on Tuesday that he may be required to stay in the hospital for some time.
The statement credited, 'age-related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters', for this.
The visits
Meanwhile, political personalities visit ailing Karunanidhi
The towering Tamil Nadu leader was visited by many political leaders including Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu and Congress President Rahul Gandhi.
Superstar Rajinikanth, who is foraying into politics, also met him. After the visit, Rajinikanth said, "He was sleeping when I went. I pray to God that he will get better soon."
Karunanidhi was Chief Minister for Tamil Nadu five times.