Amma of All Rumours

Speculation about Jayalalithaa’s health refuses to die. But, the AIADMK assures that all is fine with her, the party and the government.

- Lakshmi Subramanian

The lane leading to Apollo Hospital in Chennai is blocked. The hospital is off Greams Road. The police have cordoned off the area with yellow, steel barricades. Hospital staff— some in blue, some in white and some carrying stethoscopes—queue up before the iron gates. Policemen check the cards closely and let them in. Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa is admitted here.

To the left of the entrance, another set of barricades and a long rope keep an emotive crowd at bay. Many of the sobbing women are wearing long ornamental chains with pendants decorated with Jayalalithaa’s photo. The men console each other; they are wearing white shirts and dhotis with the trademark black-white-red border—the AIADMK colours. This has been a regular sight here, ever since Jayalalithaa was admitted at 11:30pm on September 22.

A source said that the guards at the gates were surprised when an ambulance shot into the portico that night. It was tailed by a dark green Mahindra Scorpio. As it was close to midnight, the swanky hospital lobby was empty, except for the regular staff. Then, the patient was wheeled out, and, the critical care unit burst into action. At the same time, the hospital gates were closed.

But, by then, the small lane in front of the gate was teeming with ministers and AIADMK cadre. Some were crying. Others raised slogans. A few senior leaders and ministers talked their way into the hospital, but returned soon with no information. Many stayed there till daybreak. And, since then, people are joining and leaving the crowd at all hours. All of them awaiting some news about their Amma.