Uncertainty Over TN CM Jayalalithaa’s Health

On a day rumours flew thick and fast about the health of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, Apollo Hospitals flew in Dr. Richard John Beale, Consultant Intensivist at the London Bridge Hospital, to assess her condition.

After examining Jayalalithaa, Beale said Jayalalithaa was receiving the best course of treatment at the hospital. An internationally renowned specialist and researcher, he will be available for further consultation over the next couple of days to the team of doctors attending on the Chief Minister.

Meanwhile, DMK president M. Karunanidhi urged the Tamil Nadu government to dispel the rumours surrounding Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's health and requested Governor Chennamaneni Vidyasagar Rao to take due steps in this regard even as the police filed a case against an unknown person for allegedly circulating rumours about the AIADMK supremo's condition.

The case was filed under various sections of the IPC, including those dealing with public mischief and promoting enmity between classes. Police said it was lodged on the basis of a complaint from AIADMK IT Wing secretary G Ramachandran, who alleged that the rumours were being circulated from a Facebook ID, 'Tamizhachi', suspected to be of a woman residing in France.

Police also warned rumour-mongers of strict legal action.

Meanwhile, DMK chief M Karunanidhi wished the Chief Minister a speedy recovery, but urged the government to put an end to the rumours surrounding his arch political rival's health.

While Apollo Hospitals, where the AIADMK supremo is recuperating from fever and dehydration, was issuing bulletins about her health, some unwanted rumours were deliberately being floated by some persons, he said.

Some persons are spreading unwanted rumours about her health on the social media and to put an end to it, proper information about the Chief Minister's health must be made available to the people, Karunanidhi said in a statement.

The state administration should work to put an end to such rumours and the Governor should take due steps in this regard. I insist upon this since this is the desire of the people, he added. The DMK chief suggested that photographs of the Chief Minister may be released through the media to quell any kind of rumours being circulated about her health.

Quoting from a section of the media, he said when AIADMK founder and former chief minister late MG Ramachandran was hospitalised in 1984 here, regular briefings on his status were made by then health minister HV Hande. Karunanidhi said though he differed with Jayalalithaa ideologically, it is my desire that she recovers soon and takes up official duties as usual, and wished her a speedy recovery.