Karunanidhi continues to be in ICU

Tamil Nadu's principal Opposition party, DMK, on Wednesday claimed that 21 members of its cadre have died unable to bear the "shock" of the hospitalisation of party chief M Karunanidhi, who continues to be in the ICU of Kauvery Hospital.

"I am deeply depressed to learn that 21 party workers have died unable to bear the shock of party president Kalaignar's illness (and hospitalisation)," DMK working president M K Stalin said, without disclosing the identity of the deceased.

"No one should take any extreme steps that may result in the loss of their lives," Stalin said, adding that the health of his father is stable.

The latest health bulletin on Karunanidhi is a cause for worry since it says that his general health has witnessed "overall decline" due to altered liver function.

94-year-old Karunanidhi is battling for his life at the hospital after he was rushed there in the early hours of Saturday following a drop in blood pressure.

On Sunday, his health suffered a "transient setback" due to breathing problems, but it was resolved within a few hours due to treatment.

The DMK chief is critical but stable and continues to be treated at the ICU by a team of expert doctors from the hospital.

Though Karunanidhi's blood pressure has been brought under control, doctors have found that his overall health has declined due to his age.

"Although there has been a 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," the latest bulletin issued on Tuesday evening said.

"He (Karunanidhi) continues to maintain his vital signs with active medical support,” the bulletin issued by Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, executive director, Kauvery Hospital, said.

The bulletin also mentioned that Karunanidhi was resuscitated and stabilised in the ICU when he was rushed to the hospital on Saturday.