AIADMK cadres are eagerly awaiting the return of their leader, stockpiling firecrackers for a belated Diwali celebration to welcome Jayalalithaa when she is discharged from hospital.
A glimpse into what can be expected on her return was on display when the Tamil Nadu chief minister was moved out from a critical care unit to a private ward on Saturday evening, when hundreds of party cadres, leaders and well-wishers broke out into massive celebrations.
“Jayalalithaa has recovered well and can go home whenever she decides,” said Apollo Hospital chairman Pratap C Reddy. “I am happy to say that she has responded well to the treatment we gave at the hospital.”
Read | Jaya has recovered, mental functions ‘absolutely normal’: Apollo Hospital
The 68-year-old AIADMK supremo was admitted to the Apollo Hospital in Chennai on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration. Later, the hospital said she was being treated for infection, with respiratory support, among others.
The improving health of Amma, as she is popularly known, however, has not stopped her followers from continuing special prayers, pujas and homams in temples across the state for her long life.
On Sunday, one such prayer was held by a charitable trust head at the city’s Marundeeswarar temple in Thiruvanmiyur in south Chennai. After prayers, anna danam (food donation) was carried out at the temple premises.
{{/usCountry}}On Sunday, one such prayer was held by a charitable trust head at the city’s Marundeeswarar temple in Thiruvanmiyur in south Chennai. After prayers, anna danam (food donation) was carried out at the temple premises.
{{/usCountry}}In several temples across the state, similar prayers have been held since Jayalalithaa’s health deteriorated.
Read | This is my rebirth, waiting to serve TN: Jaya issues statement from hospital
Now, the hospital authorities have left it up to the AIADMK leader to decide when she wants to head back to her Poes Garden residence, though doctors are still maintaining a close watch on her condition.
She has recovered well and may return home soon, said AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswathi.
“The day (she is discharged) will be like real Deepawali for us,” Saraswathi said. “For sure, crackers would be burst a little distance away from her Poes Garden residence.”
Large-scale celebrations are expected all over the state at party offices, and also in other states — Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka — where the AIADMK has its units.