Quote
A great leader has passed away, he did not only represent Tamil Nadu but India as a whole. He fought for federalism and for Tamil people. The people of Tamil Nadu will never forgive the state government if it denies burial land which is requested by DMK
Farooq Abdullah
DMK chief M. Karunanidhi passed away at 6:10 pm on Tuesday, said a medical bulletin released by Kauvery Hospital in Chennai at 6:45 p.m.
Earlier, party working president M.K. Stalin met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami at the latter's residence in Chennai and requested a place on the Marina Beach in Chennai for Mr. Karunanidhi's burial. However, the Tamil Nadu government, citing legal hurdles, denied permission. Instead, it has offered two acres of land near Gandhi Mandapam on Sardar Vallabhai Patel Road.
A large number of DMK cadres and supporters had gathered outside the hospital, many of whom have been staying there since Monday evening.
Mr. Karunanidhi was admitted to the hospital following a drop in his blood pressure in the early hours of July 28. Since then the five-time Chief Minister's medical status has gone through ups and downs. After a setback on July 29, he continues to be in hospital due to age-related ailments, and is under "active medical support".
Click here to read Monday's updates
Here are the live updates:
10:50 pm
DMK plea hearing
Additional Advocates General P.H. Arvindh Pandian and S.R. Rajagopal arrive at the Madras High Court Acting CJ’s residence. DMK lawyers argue with police to allow them Justice Ramesh's residence.
DMK lawyers at the the gate of Madras High Court Acting Chief Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh’s residence in Chennai on August 7, 2018. | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
10:35 pm
Karunanidhi’s body in Gopalapuram
Karunanidhi's body arrives at his Gopalpuram residence amid an outpouring of emotion.
DMK cadre get emotional, banging barricades and shouting slogans in praise of Karunanidhi. At one point crowd goes out of control, making it nearly impossible to remove the DMK patriarch’s body to be removed from the ambulance.
Police had to use mild force to control the crowd. Party General Secretary had to wait for several minutes before he could get out of his car amid the heavy slogan-shouting crowd of supporters.
10:30 pm
Burial place at Marina: T.N. govt denies honour to Karunanidhi despite litigant withdrawing case
Hours before the State government on August 7 expressed its inability to allot space next to the Anna memorial at the Marina beach in Chennai for burying the body of DMK patriarch and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, advocate V. Gandhimathi, 48, had withdrawn a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by her last week to prevent Greater Chennai Corporation from granting permission for disposal of dead bodies on the coastal area.
10:20 pm
Modi, Rahul to arrive tomorrow
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is arriving at 10.30 a.m. in Chennai tomorrow to pay homage to Karunanidhi. Leaders including former Kerala CM Oomen Chandy, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Telangana CM K. Chandrasekar Rao are likely to pay homage to Karunanidhi
10: 10 pm
Rahul Gandhi, Rajinikanth request TN govt to provide burial space near Anna Memorial
Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Twitter said, "Like Jayalalitha ji, Kalaignar was an expression of the voice of the Tamil people. That voice deserves to be given space on Marina Beach. I am sure the current leaders of Tamil Nadu will be magnanimous in this time of grief. "
Like Jayalalitha ji, Kalaignar was an expression of the voice of the Tamil people. That voice deserves to be given space on Marina Beach. I am sure the current leaders of Tamil Nadu will be magnanimous in this time of grief. #Marina4Kalaignar — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 7, 2018
Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Twitter said, "The Tamil Nadu government must take all steps to provide space for burying Karunanidhi next to Anna Memorial at the Marina. This would be the highest respect we would be paying to him. This is my humble request"
9:40 pm
Centre announces one-day mourning, state funeral
The Centre has announced that the National Flag will fly half-mast on August 8, 2018 in New Delhi and capitals of all States and Union Territories, and throughout the Tamil Nadu. The Centre has also decided to accord a state funeral, while observe a one-day state mourning throughout the country on August 8 and there will be no official entertainment on the day.
9:20 pm
Madras HC acting CJ to hear DMK plea
Our correspondent Mohamed Imranullah S reports:
Madras High Court acting Chief Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh agrees to hear by 10.30 p.m. a case against denial of place at the Marina to bury Karunanidhi’s body. The hearing will take place if the papers are in order and the Advocate-General is informed about the hearing. .
Justice Ramesh wanted to hear the case at 10.30 a.m. tomorrow. But the DMK lawyers insisted on an immediate hearing, and so he asked them to file the case papers with the Registrar (Judicial) and assemble at his residence at 10.30 p.m.
Read more
9: 10 pm
Karunanidhi's body taken to his Gopalapuram residence
Karunanidhi's body is being taken to his Gopalapuram residence now. His body is wrapped in the DMK's black and red flag.
8: 50 pm
DMK sends another request for burial space next to Anna Memorial
Mr. Stalin has issued another public statement to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu seeking space next to Anna Memorial on the Marina for Mr. Karunanidhi's burial.
Meanwhile, Mr. Vaiko who was at Kauvery Hospital said, "When Kalaignar has left crores of people in tears, this heartless government is denying space to bury him next to Anna. I pray to you, please don't do this sinful act."
8: 50 pm
A tense situation prevails outside Kauvery Hospital. Police order lathi charge.
8:20 pm
DMK General Secretary K. Anbazhagan has issued the following statement:
"Karunanidhi 's mortal remains will be taken to his Gopalapuram residence. Family members and relatives can pay their respects between 8.30 p.m and 1 a.m..
"Following this, Karunanidhi 's mortal remains will be kept at his CIT Colony residence between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.
"At 4 a.m., his remains will be taken to Rajaji Hall where party cadre, general public and political leaders can pay their respects."
8: 10 pm
Seven-day mourning
The Tamil Nadu government has declared holiday on August 8, 2018, and announced a seven-day mourning period for the former chief minister.
The DMK patriarch's last journey will be on Wednesday and the National Flag will be flown at half-mast during the mourning period.
Mr. Karunanidhi's mortal remains will be kept at Rajaji Hall for the public to pay their last respects, a statement released by State Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan read.
8:00 pm
Tamil Nadu government refuses permission to bury Karunanidhi at the Marina
The Tamil Nadu government has refused permission to bury DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi at the Marina citing "legal hurdles and several cases pending in courts." Instead, the government is ready to allot two acres of land near the Gandhi Mandapam on Sardar Vallabhai Patel road.
Earlier, DMK Organising Secretary M. Durai Murgan told the media that they met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and requested the government to allow the burial of the former chief minister beside the memorial of his mentor C.N. Annadurai.
7:45 pm
Stalin's appeal to DMK cadre
Mr. Karunanidhi's son and DMK working president M.K. Stalin asks cadres to maintain peace, adhere to discipline. He also asks cadre at Kauvery Hospital to disperse peacefully.
Mr. Stalin says, "there will be people who will want to cause a bad name to the party using this sad situation. You should identify such anti-social elements, prevent any untoward incidents and hand them over to the police."
He also requests cadre to ensure that they don't bring disrepute Kalaignar's legacy, and ensure that the public are not put to any hardship.
7:40 pm
Cadre attempts self immolation
A 50-year-old DMK member attempted self immolation in Karur after hearing the news of death of DMK leader Karunanidhi.
N. Saravanan poured kerosene over his body and tried to set himself on fire when the police thwarted his attempt. He was taken to Karur Town police station.
7:35 pm
M. Karunanidhi is sworn in Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the second term at the Madras University Auditorium in Madras on March 15, 1971 after the DMK won a record 184 seats in the Assembly elections. Mr. Karunanidhi’s government was dismissed by the Centre on January 31, 1976 over his opposition to Emergency rule. | Photo Credit: THE HINDU ARCHIVES
DMK leader M. Karunanidhi, whose electoral journey began in Kulithalai in 1957, has won all the 13 elections he has contested.
Only in 1984 did he stay away from the Assembly elections and subsequently went to the Legislative Council.
7:30 pm
"I hear a lullaby. Let me sleep. Don't wake me up.'' These were Mr. Karunanidhi's words when he visited his hometown Thirukuvalai near Tiruvarur on May 2006.
Mr. Karunanidhi was born on June 3, 1924, at Thirukuvalai, now in Nagapattinam district (then in the composite Tanjore district) and did his schooling in nearby Tiruvarur. His father Muthuvel was a scholar and his mother Anjugam a housewife.
7:25 pm
Puducherry Government has declared holiday on Wednesday and has announced three-day mourning.
7:20 pm
Madurai mourns
Shutters of all shops closed near M.G.R. Bus Stand in Mattuthavani, Madurai. A total of 30 private services heading from Madurai to Chennai and Bengaluru have been stopped.
Around 20 SETC services from Madurai's MGR Bus Stand, Mattuthavani to Chennai, Bangalore, Guruvayur, Tirupati and Ernakulam have been stopped. KSRTC buses will not ply too, officials confirmed. "Only buses coming from other districts will leave from the bus stop," said an official.
7:15 pm
Shutters down on shops, movie theatres
All movie screenings have been cancelled for tonight and tomorrow. Theatre owners have said the ticket fares will be reimbursed.
Cinema shows in theatres across Tamil Nadu will remain suspended from Tuesday night till the last rites of DMK president M. Karunanidhi are performed on Wednesday, as a mark of respect to the departed leader, says R.M. Annamalai, president, Tamil Nadu Film Exhibitors' Association.
As a mark of respect to the departed former Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi, all trade and business establishments in the State would remain closed till the mortal remains of the leader is laid to rest, according to senior president of Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, S. Rethinavelu.
Wednesday's TNPL Eliminator match between the Lyca Kovai Kings and iDream Karaikudi Kaalai has been cancelled.
7:00 pm
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have condoled the DMK chief's demise.
In his condolence message, President Kovind lauded Mr. Karunanidhi as "doyen of our public life, as contributor to the development of Tamil Nadu and of India he has few peers."
"We have lost a deep-rooted mass leader, prolific thinker, accomplished writer and a stalwart whose life was devoted to the welfare of the poor and the marginalised," Mr. Modi tweeted.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that he will be visiting Chennai.
Click here to read more reactions.
6:45 pm
Karunanidhi has passed away. The end came at 6:10 pm, Kauvery Hospital announces.
The final medical bulletin from the hospital says:
"With deep anguish we announce the demise of our beloved Kalaignar Dr. M. Karunanidhi on 07.08.2018 at 06.10 pm. Despite the best possible efforts by our team of doctors and nurses to resuscitate him, he failed to respond.
We profoundly mourn the loss of one of the tallest leaders of India and we share the grief of family members and fellow Tamilians worldwide."
6:40 pm
DMK workers and supporters are thronging outside the Kauvery Hospital. The road leading to the hospital has been barricaded and supporters are now occupying the nearby flyover. Banners praising Mr. Karunanidhi are being erected.
Prayers and cries of "Ezhundu vaa thalaivaa" echoe the area.
6:20 pm
Barricades are being placed on the divider on Wallajah Road, starting from the Marina T-point, reports Deepu Edmond Sabastian.
Shops are also being closed.
Abirami Cinemas, a prominent multiplex in Chennai, cancels shows.
K.G. Cinemas in Coimbatore also cancels the shows.
6:00 pm
A flurry of activities at at the Gopalapuram residence of the DMK patriarch. Mr. Karunanidhi's long-time Secretary Shanmuganathan arrives. His relatives are trickling in. Former Minister E. V. Velu too is in Gopalapuram.
Mr. Karunanidhi's car being removed from the garage.
5:45 pm
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to reach Chennai.
Television channels show an ambulance being brought into the Kauvery Hospital.
5:40 pm
At Gopalapuram
Mr. Karunanidhi's daughter M.K. Selvi and daughters-in-law Durga Stalin and Mohana Tamizharasu were seen entering his Gopalapuram residence.
DMK leaders Poongothai Aladi Aruna and Tamizhachi Thangapandian too arrive.
Commando forces have been deployed near his residence, reports Vivek Narayanan.
LIVE: #Karunanidhi 's daughter M.K. Selvi and daughters-in-law Durga Stalin and Mohana Tamizharasu seen entering his Gopalapuram residence. #KalaignarHealth https://t.co/tub7sTLend pic.twitter.com/QxB0jZatne — The Hindu - Chennai (@THChennai) August 7, 2018
5:30 pm
The MTC bus services have been gradually reduced in Chennai. The suburban train services are being operated as usual.
Tasmac shops have been asked to down shutters by 6 p.m., reports Sangeetha Kandavel. A Tasmac union member said that few shops have already downed shutters while the others would wait until 6 p.m.
Over 5000 police personnel have been deployed across the city. It is expected to be doubled in the coming hours, according to sources.
5:10 pm
Security tightened at M. Karunanidhi's residence at Gopalapuram in Chennai on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: K.V. Srinivasan
More police personnel are deployed outside the residence of Mr. Karunanidhi i n Gopalapuram.
4:30 pm
The Kauvery Hospital releases a medical bulletin, saying Mr. Karunanidhi is "extremely critical" and "unstable."
The has been significant decline in the clinical condition of Mr. Karunanidhi, the bulletin said adding that despite maximum medical support, his vital organ functions continue to deteriorate.
The health bulletin released by Kauvery Hospital in Chennai which states that Karunanidhi's health condition is extremely critical. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
3:30 pm
Television channels show footage of police personnel gathering at the Rajarathinam Stadium in Chennai.
Security around the Kauvery Hospital has also been increased. The main entrance is completely barricaded.
Police personnel deployed near Kauvery Hospital in Chennai on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: S.R. Raghunathan
The Tamil Nadu DGP has ordered all police personnel to report to duty. The DGP's office has sent a fax message to all Commissioners of Police, DIGs and District SPs to direct the strength to report immediately in uniform.
2:50 pm
Mr. Stalin meets the Chief Minister at the latter's residence.. According to sources in the DMK, Mr. Stalin requested a place on the Marina Beach in Chennai for a memorial.
Mr. Stalin's siblings Kanimozhi and Alagiri, senior party leaders T.R. Baalu, Murasoli Selvam and I. Periasamy were present during the meeting.
Incidentally, a public interest plea in the Madras High Court that sought a direction to prevent any construction of memorials on the Marina was withdrawn on Tuesday.
2:30 pm
A private channel's vehicle is attacked by DMK cadres.
A private television channel's vehicle being attacked by DMK cadres outside Kauvery Hospital in Chennai on Tuesday.
1:00 pm
Medical bulletins released so far
The Kauvery Hospital has released five medical bulletins on Mr. Karunanidhi's health so far.
The first one on July 28 said the DMK chief has been admitted to the intensive care unit following a "drop in blood pressure." The same night, another bulletin was released. It said Mr. Karunanidhi "remains stable with ongoing active medical support."
The third bulletin was released on July 29. It informed of a "transient setback of the clinical condition" of Mr. Karunanidhi.
The hospital on July 31 that an extended stay could be necessary for Mr. Karunanidhi "due to age-related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters."
The fifth bulletin released on August 6 said: "There has been decline in the medical condition of the DMK president and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Maintaining his vital organ functions continues to remain a challenge considering his age related ailments.
"He is 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."
12:50 pm
"We have seen Kalaignar’s bravery all through his life, this time also he will prove. We will continue to pray for his speedy recovery," tweets actor-turned-politician R. Sarath Kumar. '
12:40 pm
“Ezhundhu vaa thalaiva, ezhundhu vaa.." continues to near the hospital. Party workers and Mr. Karunanidhi's supporters are stationed outside the hospital since Monday night.
11:30 am
Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy visits the DMK veteran at the hospital. After a brief visit, he leaves. Tamil Manila Congress president G.K. Vasan too pays a short visit.
10.45 a.m
MDMK founder Vaiko arrives at the hospital. Congress leader E.V.K.S. Elangovan and actor Udhayanidhi Stalin also arrive.
Separate enclosure for women cadre outside Kauvery Hospital where where former TN CM M. Karunanidhi is admitted, Chennai, August 7, 2018 | Photo Credit: Vivek Narayanan
9.35 a.m
M. Karunanidhi's son and DMK working president M.K Stalin arrives at the hospital. Party cadres gather outside, waving flags. DMK leader A. Raja also arrives.
Fathima Beevi from Pudukottai raises slogans outside Kauvery Hospital, wishing for DMK Chief #MKarunanidhi's recovery | @journovivek pic.twitter.com/Wkn7teVjhk — The Hindu - Chennai (@THChennai) August 7, 2018
8.50 a.m
Mr. Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi and Mr. A. Raja arrive at the hospital early on Tuesday. Over 1200 armed reserve policemen are on standby. Already, 400 men have been deployed around the hospital.
The scene outside M. Karunanidhi's house at Gopalapuram in Chennai early on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 | Photo Credit: K.V. Srinivasan
Mylapore Deputy Commissioner NK Mayilvahanan is at the hospital. Crowd management measures are being put in place. Luz Church Road has been blocked from Nageshwara Rao park towards the Kauvery Hospital. Vehicles are being allowed towards St. Isabel's hospital.
(With inputs from Tamil Nadu Bureau)
Karunanidhi was 94. (Express photo archive) Karunanidhi was 94. (Express photo archive)
Politician-screenwriter M. Karunanidhi passed away on Tuesday. He was 94. Karunanidhi started his career as a screenwriter in Tamil films. His first film as a writer released in 1947, but appreciation came his way after his 1952 film Parasakthi. The 1952 film also marked the debut of Sivaji Ganeshan and was the story of a family that faces many trials during World War II. The film was criticised at the time of its release as its content was quite bold in terms of its ideology. Karunanidhi was not afraid of expressing his thoughts when it came to a film’s script. Many of his films spoke about subjects like widow remarriage, abolition of zamindari and untouchability among other issues. A few of his plays were banned in the 1950s because of their content. For him, cinema was a vehicle of presenting his political thoughts and ideologies. His last film as a screenwriter was Ponnar Shankar that released in 2011.
Also Read | Karunanidhi passes away LIVE UPDATES
Karunanidhi health LATEST updates: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has reached Karunanidhi's residence in Gopalapuram.
Tamil Nadu chief minister E Palaniswami is holding a meeting with state's advocate general at his residence. Meanwhile, the DMK's legal team has already arrived at Chief Justice's residence in Chennai. A late-night legal drama is expected to unfold as the state government has denied space for Karunanidhi's burial at Marina Beach, a move which was challenged by the DMK.
The DMK chief's body has arrived at his Gopalapuram residence in Chennai. However, people swarmed around the Ambulance to catch a glimpse of their leader. The police had to resort to a mild lathi-charge to disperse the crowd and make way for the body to be taken inside.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Rajinikanth have come out in support of the DMK in seeking a burial space for Karunanidhi at Marina Beach. The Tamil Nadu government had denied the space citing legal restrictions and had instead offered 2 acres land in Guindi.
Acting Chief Justice of Madras High Court, Huluvadi G Ramesh has agreed to hear a plea seeking space for Karunanidhi's memorial at Marina beach on an urgent basis at 10:30 pm.
The ambulance carrying body of DMK patriarch Karunanidhi has left from Kauvery Hospital for his residence in Gopalapuram. The body will be kept there till 1 am when only family and close friends will be allowed to pay respects.
After Tamil Nadu government announced that it could not allocate space for Karunanidhi's burial at Marina Beach, the veteran leader's party has announced that it will move Madras High Court on Wednesday to seek space for his memorial.
DMK supporters sit in protest at Ranipet against the Tamil Nadu government's decision to not allow Karunanidhi's body to be buried at Marina beach. The government has cited legal restrictions in granting the permission and has instead offered two acres of space near Guindy. AIADMK leaders MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa, and DMK founder Annadurai's memorials are built at Marina Beach.
DMK's working president MK Stalin has released a statement on his father's death expressing his sorrow. He also urged the DMK supporters to maintain their calm and support the state agencies to maintain law and order situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reach Chennai on Wednesday to pay his last respects to DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi.
M Karunanidhi's body will be taken to his daughter Kanimozhi's home at Chennai's CIT colony first. His mortal remains will then be shifted to the family's Gopalapuram home and finally to Rajaji Hall where the public will be allowed to pay their final respects.
DMK patriarch and senior leader M Karunanidhi passed away at Chennai's Kauvery Hospital at 6.10 pm on Tuesday. The former Tamil Nadu chief minister was 94-years-old.
The state police has been kept on high alert and all security personnel across the state have been called in for immediate mobilisation. The state's fire and rescue officials have also been asked to stay alert.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to arrive in Chennai at around 9.30 pm tonight as the health of DMK chief M Karunanidhi continues to decline. She will meet the family members at their Gopalapuram residence.
M Karunanidhi's daughter and DMK leader Kanimozhi teared up as she arrived at Kauvery Hospital. Her sister Selvi and MK Stalin's wife Durga also turned emotional as they left the hospital to proceed to Karunanidhi's Gopalapuram residence.
The Tamil Nadu police is on high alert and police personnel across the state have been ordered to report on duty. The administration has also ordered the TASMAC shops to down shutters by 6pm and several offices are also sending their employees home early.
According to Kauvery Hospital's latest bulletin, M Karunanidhi's health has declined considerably in the last few hours. The hospital said that it was difficult to maintain the functionality DMK chief's vital organs.
The Tamil Nadu Deputy General of Police has ordered all personnel across all cities and districts to report immediately to their respective Superintendent of Police. The Zonal IGPs have been advised to further deploy manpower as per the required security challenges that may arise in the state.
The Kauvery Hospital is expected to release the latest bulletin on DMK chief's health in the next 30 minutes as a sea of DMK cadres wait expectantly outside the hospital premises. The security has also been ramped up, with over 300 police personnel deployed at the institute.
DMK chief M Karunanidhi's health remains very critical, reports said. Meanwhile, the secuirty has been ramped up inside and around the Kauvery hospital.
DMK leaders MK Stalin, Alagiri and Kanimozhi have returned to Kauvery hospital in Chennai after meeting chief minister E Palaniswami at his residence, The News Minute reported.
DMK chief Karunanidhi is suffering from severe breathing problem and his health continues to remain at risk, New18 Tamil Nadu quoted sources at Kauvery Hospital as saying. Meanwhile, a meeting is underway in Chennai between chief minister E Palaniswami and DMK leader MK Stalin. Earlier, Karunanidhi's son Stalin had left from the Kauvery Hospital in Chennai.
Actor Arjun and politicians Kongu Eswaran and K Veeramani arrived at the Kauvery Hospital to inquire about DMK chief M Karunanidhi's health, reported The News Minute. VCK Chief Thol Thirumavalavan has arrived at Kauvery Hospital. He had also visited Kauvery Hospital last week and enquired about the health of former Chief Minister Karunanidhi. Meanwhile, internet services have been suspended outside the hospital premises.
DMK chief M Karunanidhi is in critical condition, the doctors have said. The situation outside the Kauvery Hospital in the Alwarpet area is a bit tense as there are rumours floating and the doctors haven't said anything since Monday night. Party working president Stalin and DMK MP Kanimozhi arrived at the hospital amid heavy security. Reports said that internet access outside the hospital has been restricted.
Reports from Chennai have said that doctors at the Kauvery Hospital have not released any statement on Karunanidhi's health since Monday night. "There has been a decline in the medical condition of DMK president and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. Maintaining his vital organ functions continues to remain a challenge considering his age related ailments," hospital statement on Monday night had said.
DMK cadres are hopeful that their party president MK Karunanidhi, even after being pushed to a critical health condition on Monday night, will bounce back to good health soon. The members of DMK gathered outside Kauvery Hospital in Alwarpet were neither extremely depressed nor happy, but they believe their leader would soon return home.
The condition of ailing DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi has "declined" and keeping his vital organs functioning remains a "challenge", doctors at the Kauvery Hospital said, indicating that the next 24 hours could be crucial.
The 94-year-old five-time Tamil Nadu chief minister was being continuously monitored and treated with active medical support, a press release issued by the hospital said.
"His response to the medical interventions over the next 24 hours will determine the prognosis," Executive Director of the Hospital Dr Aravindan Selvaraj said in the terse two-paragraph release.
Soon after the news of a decline in Karunanidhi's condition spread, hundreds of his supporters gathered 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.
Karunanidhi was admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital on July 28 following a dip in blood pressure, which stabilised following medical intervention.
The hospital had, however, said on July 31 that an extended stay could be necessary due to age-related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters.
A host of dignitaries and political leaders, including President Ram Nath Kovind Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have visited the hospital over the last few days to inquire about the condition of the DMK veteran.
