A day after DMK President and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s health experienced a slight decline, fake news and messages have begun doing the rounds. With the spread of such messages at a rapid pace across social media, DMK Working President and Karunanidhi’s son MK Stalin released a statement appealing to cadres and well-wishers not to fall for these messages.
In a statement, Stalin said, “I request the cadres and all others who are concerned about our Thalaivar's health to not believe the rumours being spread by miscreants. Due to the continued medical treatment provided to Doctor Kalaignar, there is an improvement in his health. Doctors are attending to Kalaignar round the clock and providing excellent treatment. As per the request from the medical team, I request the cadres, and general public to avoid coming to meet Kalaignar. On behalf of the party, I request you all to not believe the rumours being spread by miscreants and rumour mongers.”
Earlier in the day, the news design template of one prominent Tamil news channel was reproduced by miscreants with fake messaging regarding Karunanidhi’s health. The channel clarified that fake news was superimposed on their templates and urged people not to fall for them.
Political leaders, actors and prominent personalities continued to visit the ailing 94-year-old leader through Friday.
On Thursday, Kauvery Hospital – which is taking care of his treatment at his residence – issued a bulletin about a slight decline in his health. The leader is being treated for fever due to Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) with intravenous antibiotics and fluids, said the statement.
On Friday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Stalin and Kanimozhi and tweeted wishing him a speedy recovery.
Leaders and personalities who have visited Karunanidhi’s Gopalapuram residence in Chennai include: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, Electricity Minister P Thangamani, Minister for Municipal Administration SP Velumani, Tamil Manila Congress leader GK Vasan, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol Thirumavalavan, actor and All-India Samathuva Makkal Katchi chief Sarath Kumar, actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan, social activist Traffic Ramaswamy, actor and Congress spokesperson Khushbu, actor Vikram, senior journalist N Ram and others.