With Jaya in hospital, AIADMK rejects Opposition's calls for interim CM

Chennai: The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu is against the idea of appointing an interim Chief Minister while J Jayalalithaa remains in hospital.

According to reports, the party however is examining the possibility of reallocating the portfolios held by Jayalalithaa.

Currently, the Public Department, IAS, IPS, IFS, General Administration, District Revenue Officers, Police and Home portfolios are held by Jayalalithaa. The CM has been in hospital since September 22.

When governor CH Vidyasagar Rao met cabinet ministers O. Panneerselvam and Edappadi K. Palaniswami and the Chief Secretary on Friday, he discussed the issue of an interim CM, reports said.

Reports added that the two ministers had convinced the Governor that there was no need for installing an interim head of government as the Chief Minister was making a gradual recovery. “As long as the Chief Minister is alive, there is no need for the Governor’s intervention,” an AIADMK leader insisted.

The ministers however, agreed to consider the reallocation of the Chief Minister’s portfolios to other ministers and sought time to take a decision.

On Saturday, DMK treasurer MK Stalin again visited Jayalalithaa in hospital, and called for an interim CM to be installed until Jayalalithaa made a full recovery.

"Till her return let there be a deputy or an interim chief minister to resolve key issues like the Cauvery dispute. Someone next in the hierarchy can take charge. That's our stand,” Stalin was quoted as saying.

Apollo Hospitals’ latest bulletin says the CM is undergoing treatment for lung congestion, after several medical experts and a UK specialist were flown in to treat her. She is reported to be on respiratory support, but more specific details have not been forthcoming from the hospital.

On Sunday, political leaders, including Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, visited the Apollo Hospital even as special prayers were held for Jayalalithaa’s good health across Tamil Nadu.

"I pray to the Almighty that she recovers fully and get back to her routine. I am fully confident that she will recover soon," Narayanasamy told reporters after visiting the hospital.

Tamil Maanila Congress chief G K Vasan also visited the hospital where Jayalalithaa is undergoing treatment since September 22. He said she is being given specialised medical care.

He met the director of the hospital and interacted with doctors, state ministers and was told that she is improving.

"Our best wishes to Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for a speedy recovery. We wish on behalf of Tamil Maanila Congress that she should resume her work for the people," he said.

CPI leader and Rajya Sabha MP D Raja said he spoke to doctors and AIADMK leaders present at the hospital and expressed his party's wishes for her early recovery.

Meanwhile, special prayers continued at places of worship in the state for Jayalalithaa's speedy recovery.

After observing ritualistic stipulations for days, a massive "milk pot" procession was taken out in Madurai by AIADMK workers and supporters in which a sizable number of women cadres participated.

The procession began from Saravana Poigai tank and culminated at the Subramania Swamy temple in Tiruparankundram where the milk carried in pots was used for worship by them.

State Revenue Minister RB Udhayakumar and his party workers participated in the prayers.

Also, yagnas were performed in several temples seeking a healthy and long life for Jayalalithaa in which former State Minister Valarmathi participated.

Similarly, special prayer sessions were organised by Christians at various churches.