Superstar and newly-minted politician Rajinikanth met ailing Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader M Karunanidhi at the Cauvery hospital in Chennai on Tuesday. At an impromptu press meet outside the hospital, Rajinikanth said he wished the leader a speedy recovery and had enquired after his health from his family.
“I got to know about the health condition of Karunanidhi through Stalin, Kanimozhi and Azhagiri. He is a senior leader in Indian politics. I pray to God for his speedy recovery,” he said.
The actor, who was shooting for his film with Karthik Subbaraj in Darjeeling, flew back to Chennai to visit the leader. Earlier on Tuesday, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi met the leader, and said he was glad to see that Karunanidhi was on the mend. “I met him, he is fine and stable. I am quite happy to see that he is doing well. He is very tough, like the people of Tamil Nadu. He has the spirit of Tamil Nadu in him,” Rahul told reporters after visiting the DMK chief.
He later tweeted:
I visited Kalaignar today. Wonderful to see that the Tamil fighting spirit that has endeared him to millions, is still strong! I join his fans all around the world, his well wishers and his family, in wishing him a speedy recovery. #Karunanidhi pic.twitter.com/3QEv9myfCn
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 31, 2018
A recent health bulletin released by the hospital said that Karunanidhi would need ‘extended hospitalisation’ even though his vital signs had stabilised. This was necessary due to age-related overall decline in his general health, altered livel function and haematological parameters, the hospital added.
Read: Karunanidhi’s Health – An Anxious Crowd Waits For Karunanidhi’s Return
The DMK chief was brought to the hospital on Saturday night at around 1.30 am after his blood pressure dropped. His blood pressure has since been stabilised and he continues to be monitored and treated by a panel of expert doctors.
Many leaders, including the Vice President, State Governor and the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu have visited him over the course of the last five days and enquired about his health.
(With Inputs From Rajeshwari Manikandan)
