Subramanian Swamy demands President's rule in TN, cites Jayalalithaa's health

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on 7 October wrote to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and urged him to impose President's rule in Tamil Nadu in the wake of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's current health.

Swamy alleged that during the "ad hoc administrative situation in the state", there is massive disorder and lawlessness in Tamil Nadu.

Jayalalithaa, 68, was admitted to the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai for fever and dehydration on 22 September. Subsequently, Apollo Hospitals said she was cured of fever and needed to be in the hospital for observation.

"The Union Government should declare President's Rule in Tamil Nadu in view of the administrative disarray in the state following the indefinite hospitalisation of the Chief Minister and her having to remain - for health reasons - incommunicado. A retired Chief Secretary has been allowed to conduct the business of the state," Swamy wrote in his letter.

"During this ad hoc administrative situation, there has been an activation of the sleeper cell of the ISIS in the districts of Ramanathapuram, Tirunveli, Madurai and Kanya Kumari and a collaborative and supportive action by the Dravida Kazhagam, leftover LTTE, and disruptive groups such as underground Naxalites, to create an upheaval in the state causing a massive disorder and lawlessness," he added.

In his letter, the senior BJP leader urged the Home Minister to "invoke Article 356 of the Constitution, put the Legislative Assembly in suspended animation and impose the AFSPA in all southern districts as well as Chennai for a period of six months till Jayalalithaa is able to attend office".

"The Apollo hospital has expressly made clear in the Press Release that she is required to remain in hospital for a further period. Hence the pre-emptive action by the Union Government is not only constitutional but also urgent," the letter said.

AIADMK workers have been holding special prayers for the good health of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and on Thursday distributed food to the poor at Anand Sai Temple.

Jayalalithaa's supporters have been gathering outside Apollo Hospital ever since she has been admitted.

Temples and mosques have been crowded with people praying for their favourite leader. Public pujas have been held since day one for the ailing Chief Minister.

Supporters have also taken to self immolation as a measure to pray for Jayalalithaa. Former police constable and AIADMK supporter in Salem also attempted to set himself on fire.

Hundreds of workers assembled with pails of milk, while one even hung from a crane by means of hooks pierced into his back - an act usually done in devotion to Lord Murugan.

People from all age groups have been active in offering prayers for the betterment of ailing leader.

-ANI