Next 24 hours 'crucial' for Karunanidhi, supporters throng hospital

Chennai: DMK president M Karunanidhi has suffered a "decline" in his health condition and maintaining his vital organs to function continues to remain a challenge, doctors said on Monday.

He is on continuous monitoring and being treated with active medical support, a statement from the Chennai hospital where the veteran leader is admitted said.

The statement further said that Karunanidhi’s response to the medical interventions over the next 24 hours will determine the prognosis.

Following the reports of "decline" in Karunanidhi’s health, DMK cadres thronged the Chennai hospital again on Monday.

Hundreds of his supporters congregated 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.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party cadres react after Kauvery Hospital released a bulletin on party president M Karunanidhi's health in the evening, in Chennai, on Monday. (Photo: PTI)

Karunanidhi was admitted to Kauvery hospital in Chennai following a drop in blood pressure on July 28. Since then, the medical status of the 94-year-old has gone through ups and downs.

After a health scare, the doctors extended his period of hospitalisation due to age-related overall decline in his general health, altered liver functions and haematological parameters.

A spate of visitors have visited the five times chief minister of Tamil Nadu during the past few days, including President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.