MK Stalin, leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu legislative Assembly and DMK’s second-in-command, visited Apollo Hospital in Chennai on Saturday where Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa is undergoing treatment since September 22 and wished her a speedy recovery. The visit took all by surprise as the leaders of the ruling AIADMK and the Opposition DMK are “known” for their personal animosity and do not exchange pleasantries even in normal times.
Stalin, accompanied by DMK’s deputy leader in the Assembly Durai Murugan and former Minister Ponmudi drove into the hospital late evening. The DMK leaders were briefed by the team of doctors attending to Jayalalithaa. The DMK leaders had discussion withO Panneerselvam, former Chief Minister and the number two in the council of Ministers headed by Jayalalithaa.
later speaking to journalists waiting outside the hospital, Stalin said his visit was to enquire about the health of the Chief Minister and wish her a speedy recovery. “We knew the CM has been undergoing treatment in the hospital for the last two weeks. The releases issued by the hospital had said that she was progressing well and was responding to treatment. But the release issued on Thursday said that the CM may have to stay in the hospital for a long time. My father, the DMK chief M Karunanidhi was closely following the status of the health of the Chief Minister. He wanted to convey his best wishes for the speedy recovery of the Chief Minister. That’s why he deputed us to visit the hospital today itself,” said Stalin.
Stalin said he had a discussion with the doctors and minister Panneerselvam and all were hoping that Amma would soon get well and return to normal duties.
A bulletin issued by the hospital on Saturday evening said Jayalalithaa continues to be under constant monitoring by the expert panel of doctors.
The respiratory support is closely watched and adjusted. lungs decongestion treatment is being continued. All the other comprehensive measures including nutrition, supportive therapy and passive physiotherapy are underway,” said the release by S Viswanathan, chief operating officer.