Jaya under UK doctor’s watch, party says ‘no need for photos’

“Amma (Jayalalithaa) is healthy. She needs rest as per doctors’ advice and will return in good health,” senior AIADMK leader and former Minister P Valaramathi told reporters. She said Jayalalithaa was performing official duties and pointed out that she had even announced the party’s candidates for this month’s civic polls while being hospitalised.

“Some jealous people are carrying out a wrong campaign to confuse people by spreading rumours” about Jayalalithaa’s health, she said.

Meanwhile, the Apollo Hospitals, where Jayalalithaa has been hospitalised for treatment for fever and dehydration, reportedly flew in UK-based Dr Richard John Beal to examine the Chief Minister. Jayalalithaa was admitted to the hospital on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration. She has been advised to stay for a few days at the hospital.

Another senior leader and AIADMK spokesperson, ‘Panruty’ S Ramachandran, also insisted that Jayalalithaa would “return home soon”. He said: “The Chief Minister is recovering well. We believe, she will return home soon. Please do not believe in rumours.”

The doctors were sharing information regularly on the Chief Minister’s health, he added. On DMK chief M Karunanidhi seeking an explanation over Jayalalithaa’s health, Ramachandran said “he has no right” to demand so.

 “What has to be informed to the people, we are doing so. The doctors are qualified to talk about someone’s illness and they are sharing information,” he added. On Friday, Karunanidhi had demanded that pictures of the Chief Minister be released to quell rumours about her condition.

Other opposition leaders like the PMK’s Dr S Ramadoss have also questioned the lack of information about the Chief Minister’s health, pointing out that it has given rise to worry and speculation.