Rumours, Tension in Tamil Nadu: Jayalalithaa Still in Hospital

Chennai: Tamil Nadu is not protesting against Karnataka’s refusal to release water to the state in spite of the Apex Court order. Tamilians do not show anger nor vandalise the public property. They are busy discussing the latest rumours about their Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. She has been in the Apollo Hospital in Chennai for the last 11 days and the secrecy around her health condition is making the people tense and impatient.

The Acting Governor of the state had to tell the people that he was happy to note that the 68-year-old leader is recovering well but the people, especially the workers of Jayalalithaa’s party AIADMK, are not happy with the Governor’s press release.

The tension mounted with the arrival of a specialist, Dr Richard John Beale, from London on Friday to treat the chief minister. Dr Beale did what the Tamil Nadu Government always does. He issued a statement that Jayalalithaa was provided the best medical care. Beale’s press release has failed to kill the rumours because the people seem to know more. Even the common man knows that Dr Beale visits patients who are critically ill.

Opposition party leaders, including DMK chief M Karunanidhi, have demanded the Government to release photographs of Jayalalithaa in hospital but the ruling party does not dare to release them.