As DMK chief M Karunanidhi's health condition deteriorated to 'extremely critical' on Tuesday, leaves of all Tamil Nadu police personnel were cancelled and they were asked to report 'immediately' for duty.
Earlier, DMK acting president and Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin met Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami at the latter's residence in Chennai. According to a report in The Hindu, Stalin requested a place on the Marina Beach in Chennai for a memorial.
In an official communication, a copy of which is available with DNA, Tamil Nadu DGP directed all policemen to report ‘immediately in uniform’ for urgent law and order bandobast duty.
Zonal IGIs concerned shall utilise the manpower within the zone depending on the requirement, the order said.
Meanwhile, local media report reported that large number of police personnel have gathered at Rajarathinam Stadium in Chennai.
Security around the Kauvery Hospital has also been increased and the main entrance has been completely barricaded.
In a new bulletin issued just now, Kauvery Hospital said that the DMK patriarch’s health is ‘extremely critical.’
"There has been a significant decline in the clinical condition of ‘Kalaignar’ over the last few hours. Despite maximum medical support, his vital organ functions continue to deteriorate. His condition is extremely critical and unstable," the medical bulletin said.
In a health bulletin yesterday, Kauvery hospital said Karunanidhi’s medical condition had declined.
“Maintaining his vital organ functions continues to remain a challenge considering his age-related ailments,” it said. The bulletin further stated that he was on continuous monitoring and being treated with active medical support. “His response to the medical interventions over the next 24 hours will determine the progress,” it said.
The health bulletin came amid strong rumours of a setback in Karunanidhi’s health condition since Sunday after the visit of President Ram Nath Kovind as a photograph of him meeting the veteran leader was not released. A large number of DMK cadres gathered outside the hospital raising slogans asking the leader to get well and walk out.
Karunanidhi, 94, was admitted to Chennai’s Kauvery Hospital on July 28 following a dip in his blood pressure.
His health condition continues to fluctuate. On July 31, doctors had advised a longer stay “due to age-related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters”.
On July 31, the hospital said the leader would require an extended period of hospitalisation due to a "decline" in his general health, although his vital parameters had normalised.
The DMK patriarch, who is popularly known as Kalaignar, had recently undergone a tracheotomy to enhance the functioning of his lungs. He has also been suffering from geriatric complaints.
