Right hand inflamed, Jayalalithaa signs poll papers with thumb print

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, undergoing medical treatment for the past one month at a hospital in Chennai, has an "inflamed right hand" following which her left thumb impression has been affixed in the election document of her party nominee for November 19 bypoll to Thirupparankundram.

In Form A and B, where she has to authorise the party candidate, AK Bose, as All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's official nominee, Jayalalithaa's left thumb impression has been affixed for the purpose.

"The signatory (Jayalalithaa) is presently hospitalised in Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai.

"Since the signatory has undergone Tracheotomy recently and has an inflamed right hand, she is temporarily unable to affix her signature," the document said.

"Hence she has affixed her left thumb impression on her own in my presence," the document, attested by Dr P Balaji, Prof of Minimal Access Surgery, Madras Medical College and Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and signed by Dr Babu K Abraham of Apollo Hospitals as witness, said.

Jayalalithaa, 68 was admitted to the Apollo hospital on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration, and the hospital later said she was being treated for infection.

The ruling AIADMK had said that its supremo Jayalalithaa was "very well" and would return home soon as scores of party workers continued to hold different forms of worships for her speedy recovery.

The bypoll to Thiruparankundram is being held following the death of sitting AIADMK MLA SM Seenivel.

The Election Commission had recently announced that the Thirupparankundram by-election will be held on November 19.