The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu J Jayalalithaa has been confirmed to be in a “critical” condition by the medical team in charge of her care, after reports she had passed away on Monday afternoon.
Apollo Hospital in Chennai confirmed that the Ms Jayalalithaa was now on extra-corporal life support following a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening. She was admitted almost 3 months ago following a reported pulmonary infection.
However, it dismissed claims that the chief minister had passed away, as reported by some television stations in Tamil Nadu. The party flag at the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai was also briefly flown at half mast, before being raised again. Supporters have also gathered outside the hospital where she is staying, with reports of scuffles with police forces. Extra security has been deployed across the state.
“The Apollo Specialists and Specialists from the AIIMS are continually monitoring the Hon’ble Chief Minister very closely,” said the statement.