Karunanidhi Health Latest Update: Kalaignar's condition declines, DMK supporters camp outside Kauvery Hospital

The condition of ailing DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi has “declined” and keeping his vital organs functioning remains a “challenge”, Kauvery Hospital told media last night. In a health bulletin issued at 6:30 pm on Monday, the hospital had said that next 24 hours are crucial for Kalaignar's health. 

The 94-year-old five-time Tamil Nadu chief minister was being continuously monitored and treated with active medical support, a press release issued by the hospital said.  

“There has been a decline in the medical condition of DMK president and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.  Maintaining his 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,” Executive Director of the Hospital Dr Aravindan Selvaraj said in the terse two-paragraph release.

12:12 pm: A tight security arrangement is being maintained near Karunanidhi‘s Gopalapuram residence. Barricades have been placed in front of the house and the roads leading upto it to deter a crowd from gathering there.

11:25 am: Supporters gather outside Chennai's Kauvery Hospital where DMK President M Karunanidhi is undergoing treatment. The hospital had yesterday stated a decline in his medical condition.

11:21 am: Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy arrives at Kauvery hospital to inquire about Karunanidhi's health. In the last 10 days, several political bigwigs  - right from President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and leaders from various parties including the BJP, Left and others - visited the hospital to express their wishes for Karunanidhi's speedy recovery.

09:23 am: The reports of Karunanidhi's declining health has reportedly triggered a hoarding frenzy among locals in Chennai and surrounding areas as people flocked to markets to secure ration and milk before shops close down. Due to the sudden demand, one litre milk is sold at `200 at a shop in Sowcarpet. “Milk is sold at `200 and food items such as bread went out of stock. There are rumours that Karunanidhi is ‘’no more’’, so people



are going into frenzy,” New Indian Express quoted a local as saying. 

There were rumours that all shops would remain closed on Tuesday. This drove people to the shops. Meanwhile, a few programme scheduled for Tuesday were either cancelled or postponed.

07:10 am: DMK leader Kanimozhi meets people gathered outside Chennai's Kauvery hospital where her father and former Tamil Nadu CM M Karunanidhi is undergoing treatment. The hospital stated a decline in his medical condition yesterday.

06:30 am: A massive crowd of DMK supporters, which had gathered outside the hospital after the medical bulletin last night, stayed overnight. 

Soon after the news of a decline in Karunanidhi’s condition spread, hundreds of his supporters gathered outside the hospital, including a large number of women, some failing to control their tears, others waving at the TV cameras, preparing for an overnight vigil at the facility in downtown Alwarpet.

Karunanidhi was admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital on July 28 following a dip in blood pressure, which stabilised following medical intervention.  The hospital had, however, said on July 31 that an extended stay could be necessary due to age-related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters.

A host of dignitaries and political leaders, including President Ram Nath Kovind Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have visited the hospital over the last few days to inquire about the condition of the DMK veteran.

On Sunday, President Ram Nath Kovind visited Karunanidhi and wished him a speedy recovery.

"Visited Thiru Karunanidhi, met Kalaignar's family members and doctors, and inquired about his health. Wishing the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a veteran of our public life, a quick recovery," Kovind tweeted.

Earlier, former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Deve Gowda also visited Kauvery Hospital and enquired about Karunanidhi's health.

On Thursday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan termed Karunanidhi a born fighter. He made the remark after visiting Karunanidhi at the hospital.