Karunanidhi's health condition declines; DMK cadres throng Kauvery hospital

Scores of DMK cadres thronged the Kauvery hospital in Chennai after reports of setback in party chief M. Karunanidhi's health on Monday. The 94-year-old leader, who has been suffering age-related ailments, was hospitalised on July 28.

Karunanidhi's family members including DMK working president M.K. Stalin, Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, M.K. Alagiri and M.K. Tamilarasu have reached the hospital. Senior DMK leaders A. Raja and K.N. Nehru have also reached the hospital.

The hospital in a press statement said on Monday that maintaining Karunanidhi's vital organ functions “continues to remain a challenge considering his age related ailments”. It said his response to the medical interventions over the next 24 hours will determine the prognosis.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President S. Thirunavukkarasar, who visited Karunanidhi in hospital, claimed Karunanidhi's health was stable and improving.

"I came to the hospital in morning. There was some setback in his health in the morning, after that it is improving. As of now the health condition of Karunanidhi is stable. He is still under doctors' observation and treatment. I pray to God for his speedy recovery," he told ANI.

On July 31, the hospital had issued a statement saying an extended period of hospitalisation would be necessary for Karunanidhi due to the age-related decline in his health, altered liver functions and haematological parameters.

Several high-profile leaders including President Ram Nath Kovind, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan have already visited the five-time chief minister in the hospital. 

(With inputs from agencies)