Karunanidhi better after ‘transient setback’

DMK president and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi’s health suffered a “transient setback” on Sunday evening, but his vital signs are improving with “active medical support”, doctors treating him said.

The latest health bulletin issued by the Kauvery Hospital at 9.50 pm said Karunanidhi (94) was being closely monitored and treated by a panel of expert doctors.

“There was a transient setback in the clinical condition of Kalaignar Dr M Karunanidhi. With active medical support, his vital signs are normalising. He continues to be closely monitored and treated by a panel of expert doctors,” Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, executive director, Kauvery Hospitals, said in the bulletin.

High drama prevailed outside the hospital on Sunday evening after news trickled in that Karunanidhi’s health suffered a setback.

Police presence was strengthened after hundreds of DMK cadres thronged the area. As the atmosphere was charged up, police used loudspeakers to announce that Karunanidhi was doing fine and urged the public not to believe in rumours.

Earlier in the day, the DMK released a picture of Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu and Governor Banwarilal Purohit meeting Karunanidhi at the ICU of Kauvery Hospital.