As DMK cadres protest, Vaiko returns without seeing Karunanidhi

DMK workers shouted slogans against Vaiko when he came to the hospital to visit Karunanidhi

Chennai, Dec 17: DMK cadres on Saturday protested strongly against MDMK leader Vaiko when he came to Kauvery Hospital here to enquire about the health of DMK President M.Karunanidhi, forcing him to leave.

Party workers shouted slogans against Vaiko when he came to the hospital in the evening. Some members also threw slippers at Vaiko's car.

Later in a statement, DMK Treasurer M.K.Stalin expressed regret for the incident.

He said the party has the strength to face criticism in a democratic manner and DMK members should not resort to such actions.

Karunanidhi, 92, was admitted to Kauvery Hospital on Thursday night due to breathing difficulty as well as throat and lung infection, said the hospital.

He underwent tracheotomy to optimise breathing on Friday.

"He is stable, on antibiotics and is being treated by a team of doctors," the hospital said.

Karunanidhi's second spell of hospitalisation this month comes after a short interval. It was on December 7 that Karunanidhi was discharged from the hospital after being admitted on December 1.

IANS