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Monday, 5 December 2016

India's Jayaram Jayalalitha still 'critical' after heart attack

Supporters of Tamil Nadu state leader Jayalalithaa Jayaram gather in front of a hospital where she was being treated in Chennai on December 5, 2016.
The news has sparked fresh fears about Ms Jayalalitha's health
One of India's most popular and powerful politicians, J Jayalalitha, remains in a critical condition after suffering a heart attack on Sunday night, the hospital treating her said. 

Thousands of people are standing vigil outside the hospital. Ms Jayalalitha has been receiving treatment for months and was last seen in public in September.
The image of Tamil Nadu state leader Jayalalithaa Jayaram is seen on a newspaper in Chennai on December 5, 2016.
Ms Jayalalitha inspires extreme devotion in the state
The former film star has been Tamil Nadu chief minister four times and is revered by many in the state. With the extreme devotion she inspires among her supporters, many of whom refer to her as "Amma" (mother), there are concerns that a serious deterioration in her condition could spark unrest.
Supporters outside hospital in Chennai
People have been gathering outside the hospital where she has been receiving treatment since Sunday night
Indian Muslims hold a portrait of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha Jayaram as they pray for her wellbeing as they stand in front of a hospital where she was being treated in Chennai on October 5, 2016
There are fears that her supporters could resort to violence and self harm if her situation worsens
Police have been put on alert across Tamil Nadu and outside her official residence. News of her health over the last few months has been closely monitored and guarded, and in a sign of the sensitivity around the issue two people were arrested for spreading rumours about her health in October.
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The latest statement from the Apollo Hospital added that Ms Jayalalitha was being "closely monitored by a team of experts" and she was still on life support systems.

On Sunday evening, the hospital had asked the public to "pray for her speedy recovery". Leaders, including President Pranab Mukherjee have tweeted, expressing concern about her health.

Last month a letter released by her party seemed to hint at a recovery for the politician saying she had been "reborn" thanks to prayers from her supporters.

As it also urged people to vote for her party at upcoming by-elections, critics said it could have also been an attempt to quell fears about the extent of her illness and mobilise her supporters.
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