This is my rebirth, waiting to serve TN: Jaya issues statement from hospital

Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa announced on Sunday that she is recovering well and appealed to the voters of the state and Puducherry to vote for AIADMK in the upcoming polls, in the first official statement to carry her signature, since she was admitted to hospital on September 22.

Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa announced on Sunday that she is recovering well and appealed to the voters of the state and Puducherry to vote for AIADMK in the upcoming polls, in the first official statement to carry her signature, since she was admitted to hospital on September 22.

Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa’s hospitalisation and the shroud of secrecy surrounding her ailment triggered wild speculation across the state, last month. Her arch rival and DMK chief M Karunanidhi had demanded photos of her in hospital.(PTI Photo)

“I request the people of Tamil Nadu to vote for the AIADMK,” Jaya’s statement read. “Though I am unable to come in person and campaign there, my heart is out there.”

“What can harm me while you all love me? I am waiting to completely recover and restart my work for the people,” the statement added.

“I have experienced a rebirth thanks to the prayers of both the people and the party.”

Dr Pratap Reddy, chairman of the Apollo group of hospitals, had said on Saturday that the chief minister has recovered and can leave the hospital whenever she wants to. “We have already said that her infection is fully under control. There is no major change in treatment, it’s a question of what is comfortable to her,” he had said.

A statement in the first week of November said Jayalalithaa had “fully recovered” and was now “conscious and aware of things around her”.

Jaya’s statement released on Sunday also talks about her followers who committed suicide when she was unwell. “I heard that many have committed suicide after learning about my ill-health, I want each of you to work for the people instead, we cannot afford to lose you.”

“I don’t know what rest is, as hard work cannot be left undone. Ever since MGR brought me into politics I have been working for the people,” the statement reads.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to the Apollo hospital with complaints of high fever and dehydration in September.

Her hospitalisation and the shroud of secrecy surrounding her ailment triggered wild speculation across the state, last month. Her arch rival and DMK chief M Karunanidhi had demanded photos of her in hospital.

Initial press releases from the hospital failed to throw any light on the exact nature of her ailment. In most of its bulletins, all that the hospital said was Jayalalithaa was responding well to treatment.

Three constituencies in Tamil Nadu - Aravakurichi, Thanjavur, and Thiruparakkundram - as well as one in Puducherry are facing elections on November 19.

Read | Jayalalithaa’s infection under control, she can leave: Apollo Hospitals