Extended stay in hospital for Karunanidhi likely

Belying rumours that he might be discharged in 48 hours, the hospital on Tuesday revealed the severity of deterioration in Karunanidhi’s health condition by stating that he would require extended period of hospitalisation due to “overall decline” in his general health. 

“Although there has been resolution of the condition which led to his hospital admission, an extended period of hospitalisation will be necessary due to age related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters,” said an elaborate health bulletin released at 6.30 pm by Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, executive director of Kauvery hospital.

The hospital has disclosed that liver function and haematological parameters of the DMK chief have altered. The latest bulletin reiterated that he continues to maintain his vital signs with active medical support. 

On Monday, former AIADMK leader and one-time DMK leader Nanjil Sampath also hinted about Karunanidhi’s health condition by saying; “I was shocked to see him motionless.”

Earlier, Congress president Rahul Gandhi ‘met’ Karunanidhi at the hospital and said that the DMK chief was fine. 

An image released by DMK showed the party working president MK Stalin mumbling in the ears of a bed-ridden Karunanidhi while a smile-sporting Rahul, a couple of doctors and former union minister Dayanidhi Maran looked on. Though it was difficult to discern if he were responding to Stalin’s mumble, the image of a bed-ridden Karunanidhi keeping his eyes open also confirmed that he was not on life support.

“I wanted to come and see Karunanidhi ji and stand with him. He has the spirit of Tamil people. We have a long relationship with him. So, I thought I would come and see. I was happy to see that he is doing well. He is very tough. He is stable,” Gandhi told reporters flanked by party general secretary Mukul Wasnik and TNCC president Su Thirunavukkarasar. “Soniaji sent her best wishes and regards to the family. I have carried those,” he added. 

Meanwhile, actor-turned-politician Rajnikanth who reached Chennai on Tuesday night, visited Kauvery Hospital. 

Speaking to reporters, he said that he had given his best wishes for the DMK chief’s quick recovery. “I came to see Kalaignar in the hospital. I met Alagiri, Stalin, Tamilarasu, Kanimozhi and Selvi, who are all here taking care of him. I hope he makes a swift and complete recovery and I pray to God for the same.”