It would seem that even while on a ventilator, Jayalalithaa can give directions to her confidants. Or were the directions to celebrate the party’s founder’s day given in advance? The secrecy around the chief minister’s illness underscores Jayalalithaa’s grip, despite serious illness. Bhavani Kuchi reports from Chennai.
THERE was something surreal about the announcement in Chennai that Chief Minister Jayalalithaa (who is on ventilator and not conscious), had “consented” to the celebration of the AIADMK’s 44 th anniversary with the ritual garlanding of founder MG Ramachandran’s statue.
Ironically, the same chief minister had absolutely nothing to say when the Cauvery fires were burning, already under intensive care and oblivious to what was going on around her.
Adding to the farce was a decision taken on “her” advice, to transfer all her charges to Man Friday Panneerselvam. But he’s not been designated acting CM, so technically the state is minus its chief executive.
So what’s wrong with Amma? Precise details are lacking but she is reported to have collapsed at home shortly after doing some paperwork and speaking to someone on the phone. She was rushed to Apollo in central Chennai from where she has been running the state.
Doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences flown in to attend on her included G C Khilnani, cardiologist Nitish Naik and anaesthetist Anjan Trikha.
Their treatment plan called for decongestion of lungs, nebulisation for breathing and administration of antibiotics, supportive therapy and general nursing care. So while Amma has a number of problems including diabetes, respiratory failure is evident this time round. A medical bulletin confirmed this: “The respiratory system is closely watched and adjusted.” A subsequent release said: “Tracheotomy was done on the CM”, meaning oxygen was being administered through an incision in her throat. Was it because giving oxygen through the mouth for a long period was leading to ulceration at the back of the tongue?
This story is from the November 2016 edition of Parliamentarian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2016 edition of Parliamentarian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
punjab waiting for aap
aap appears to be on a roll in punjab despite allegations of sexual misconduct against its cadres, splits and public spats. the akalis are fighting back by every means, fair and foul.missing here is the congress.
The Eye Of The Vedas
A Brief and esoteric introduction...
What 2017 Holds For The Prime Minister Modi!
What 2017 holds for the 14th Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
Re-engaging Rahul
An astrological analysis of the Gandhi scion and vice-President of the Indian National Congress, Rahul Gandhi.
Bribe Taking & Uncle J
If practices of Uncle Judges were not enough to tarnish the image of judicary in India, allegations of corruption and bribe taking have further marred that image, specially of higher judiciary.
Waiting for Amma
It would seem that even while on a ventilator, Jayalalithaa can give directions to her confidants. Or were the directions to celebrate the party’s founder’s day given in advance? The secrecy around the chief minister’s illness underscores Jayalalithaa’s grip, despite serious illness. Bhavani Kuchi reports from Chennai.
How Hillary Won First Twitter Election
In the polls four years ago, social media was just one of the campaign tools, but not this time.
Yeddyurappa Encounters Of The Family Kind
The First Ever BJP Chief Minister in any State Below the Vindhyas is Being Surrounded by his Own Party Detractors and is Paying for his Costly Mistakes.
BJP Loving Dalits Is Hard
The bjp’s new found love for dalits is suspect. It seems geared entirely towards courting their substantial vote in the battleground states of up and Punjab.
An Alternative Swaraj
AAP is determined to expand its political base by fighting the Punjab assembly elections. But it faces a challenge in the form of Prashant Bhushan and YogendraYadav, who have hinted at plans to form a new party to take on AAP.
