As Tamil Nadu’s cabinet ministers and AIADMK cadres stand vigil outside Chennai’s Apollo Hospital, where Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has been admitted since late Thursday night, messages wishing her speedy recovery have poured in from across the political spectrum.
Arch-rival and DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi took to social media to wish her, stating, “I may differ with Chief Minister Jayalalithaa at an ideological level, but I hope she recovers soon and resumes work. Varying news reports about the Chief Minister's health have been coming.”
The 92-year-old’s greeting may come as a pleasant surprise to many in Tamil Nadu. The two Dravidian leaders have in the past indulged in vendetta politics, often taking personal digs at each other.
Karunanidhi’s ‘get well soon’ message on Facebook was posted along with a photograph from 1991. The picture shows Jayalalithaa being sworn in as Chief Minister for the first time, as the DMK chief watches on from behind.
Younger son and Leader of the Opposition, MK Stalin followed in his father’s footsteps, wishing Jayalalithaa.
Meanwhile, on a day that the Karnataka Assembly debated refusing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also wished Jayalalithaa a speedy recovery.
I learnt Hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu J. Jayalalithaa is unwell & hospitalized. I wish her speedy recovery.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) September 23, 2016
Puducherry Chief Minister Narayanasami also tweeted saying he was praying for the AIADMK leader’s good health.
I Pray for The Speedy Recovery of Health for CM of Tamil Nadu.I Am Sure the Prayers & Wishes of all will Bring Back her soon #Jayalalithaa
— CM Office Puducherry (@CM_Puducherry) September 23, 2016
Other political leaders who wished Jayalalithaa include MDMK Chief Vaiko, BJP’s State President Tamilisai Soundrajan and AIADMK ally AISMK founder and actor R Sarath Kumar.