The latest in line of actors to call upon DMK Chief M Karunanidhi, who was hospitalised on Saturday following a steep drop in his blood pressure, are Ajith and Goundamani. The two actors visited the ailing chief separately and enquired about his health to DMK working President MK Stalin on Thursday.
Actor and grandson of M Karunanidhi, Udyanidhi Stalin was present during Ajith’s visit while Dravidar Kazhagam veteran Veeramani was present when Goundamani met Stalin.
In 2010, Ajith caused quite a stir in Tamil Nadu politics and in Kollywood with his statements made in the presence of the then Chief Minister Karunanidhi. Ajith had stated that actors were being forced to take a stand on sensitive political issues, especially on the Cauvery water sharing dispute with Karnataka.
Rajnikanth came out in support of Ajith, calling his statements “bold”. Ajith later visited Karunanidhi, a meeting he described as a “courtesy call”.
Earlier on Wednesday, actor Vijay visited Karunanidhi in Kauvery Hospital. Udhayanidhi and Stalin were present during Vijay’s visit that lasted a little over five minutes. Actor Vijay did not address the press after his meeting and details of what transpired during his visit remain unknown.
On Tuesday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi visited the hospital and met Karunanidhi. He also enquired about Karunanidhi’s health with Stalin. Later that day, actor-politician Rajinikanth visited Kauvery Hospital, immediately after reaching Chennai from his trip to Dehradun. Rajinikanth was away on a shoot for his next movie directed by Karthik Subbaraj.
The hospital in its latest bulletin announced that “Karunanidhi will continue to be hospitalised.” The bulletin reads, “Although there has been a resolution of the condition which led to his hospital admission, an extended period of hospitalisation will be necessary due to age-related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters.”