Jayalalithaa puts thumb print instead of signature on documents, doctors say right hand swollen

Unable to sign temporarily due to a swollen hand, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa who is still undergoing a treatment at Apollo Hospital signed a bypoll affidavit with a thumb print on 29 October.

According to reports, the AIADMK chief who is been in the hospital for over a month now was required to sign forms filed by three candidates who filed their nominations for Aravakurichi, Thanjavur and Thirupparankundram assembly. However, the doctors asserted that Jayalalithaa's right hand was inflamed due to which she could only put her thumb impression on th form instead of a signature.

As per the rules laid down by the Election Commission, the forms will not accepted if it did not have the signature of the party chief.

The last health update on the AIADMK Chief was that she was "very well" and would return home soon, even as scores of party workers continue to pray for her speedy recovery.

"She is very well. God is by her side. She will come home soon," party spokesperson CR Saraswathy said.

She said the prayers of party supporters has reaped fruits and thanked the medical experts from AIIMS and Singapore among others who treated the 68-year-old leader.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to the Apollo Hospital in Chennai on 22 September after she complained of fever and dehydration.

Later on, the hospital had said she was being treated for infection with respiratory support among others.

In its latest medical bulletin, which was issued on 21 October, the hospital had said the Chief Minister was interacting and progressing gradually.