The frenzy over Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa’s critical heath condition seems to have begun as a distressed supporter died on Sunday night upon hearing about her ill health.
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) cadre Nelagandan from Cuddalore district Gandhi Nagar died after seeing the news of Jayalalithaa’s health on the television.
Nelagandan, who was distraught upon finding out about Amma, suddenly experienced severe chest pain and passed out, while he was watching the news.
His family immediately called an ambulance, but were later informed by the medics that he had already passed away.
Crowds throng hospital, Nadda says Jaya out of danger
Meanwhile, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda told a television news channel in New Delhi that Jayalalithaa is out of danger even as thousands thronged the Apollo Hospital in Chennai.
"She is out of danger but she needs ICU care," the minister had said.
The minister's comments appeared to make no impact on Jayalalithaa supporters across Tamil Nadu who offered prayers for her recovery even as doctors at Apollo said they were doing their best.
Crowds began to mass outside the hospital from Sunday evening as news spread like wild fire that the AIADMK leader, who has been continuously in hospital since September, had suffered a cardiac arrest.
A large number of police personnel was deployed at the Apollo hospital. Security was also stepped up across the sprawling state where Jayalalithaa enjoys widespread support.
Tamil Nadu ministers and legislators gathered at the hospital along with a mass of AIADMK activists and Jayalalithaa fans.
Many broke down outside the hospital as they collected behind police barricades.
Some men and women, their hands folded, offered silent prayers for Jayalalithaa's early recovery. Some tried to enter the hospital premises but were restrained.
Jayalalithaa's posters were held high by her supporters.
Some parts of Chennai experienced shortages of milk as traders jacked up prices fearing a shutdown.
