CHENNAI: Senior BJP leader and former MLA H. Raja (68) was hospitalised in a critical condition on Friday after collapsing during a live television debate in the city, party sources said.
Raja was admitted to Apollo Hospital earlier in the day following a haemorrhagic stroke, confirmed through CT brain imaging. Hospital sources said the neurology team is closely monitoring his condition in the ICU, with a focus on blood pressure control. Pharmacological interventions have been initiated, and doctors said his condition is currently stable and he is out of immediate danger.
The incident occurred during a heated exchange with DMK functionary and IT wing deputy secretary Salem Dharanidharan on an NDTV programme held at Guindy. According to BJP workers present at the venue, Raja collapsed on stage minutes after the discussion escalated.
The incident occurred during a heated exchange with DMK functionary and IT wing deputy secretary Salem Dharanidharan on an NDTV programme held at Guindy. According to BJP workers present at the venue, Raja collapsed on stage minutes after the discussion escalated.
He was initially examined at the venue by senior BJP leader and former Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan and was rushed to a private hospital in Guindy. As his condition worsened, he was later shifted to Apollo Hospitals on Greams Road and admitted to the Critical Care Unit.
Doctors diagnosed a blood clot in the brain, which has resulted in paralysis of his right hand and leg, party leaders said. Raja, who is a chronic high blood pressure patient, remains unconscious and under intensive medical supervision.
“He is unconscious now. His right hand and leg are paralysed due to a blood clot in the brain. He has a history of high blood pressure. Doctors say it may take months for him to recover,” a senior BJP leader told DT Next.
BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran, general secretary (organisation) Kesava Vinayagan, and Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan were among those who visited him at the hospital.
Raja served as MLA from Karaikudi between 2001 and 2006 and was recently appointed BJP in-charge of four constituencies for the upcoming Assembly elections.