Kumaraswamy to undergo heart surgery

Former Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy will undergo a surgery to replace one of the blocked valves in his heart at a private super specialty hospital in Bangalore on Thursday.

Kumaraswamy, who was admitted to Wockhardt hospital on Tuesday, confirmed to PTI that he would undergo the surgery.

"Kumaraswamy has been suffering from valvular disease and has had some episodes of chest pain. He had undergone some tests on Tuesday and will be subjected to some more tests on Wednesday to evaluate his condition," Dr Vishal Bali, CEO of Wockhardt hospital, said.

"Currently he is doing fine and there is no room for concern," he added.

Earlier reports had, quoting close aides of Kumaraswamy, indicated that the former chief minister was stressed out after the recent political developments in the state and hence had to undergo check up. They said he was particularly stressed after the Janata Dal Secular-Bharatiya Janata Party government collapsed in the state.

Kumaraswamy needs to be in the best of shape, as he will have to extensively campaign for his party from January 1, 2008 onwards. He had announced a day ago that the JD-S will take the battle to the streets and will leave no stone unturned to return to power.

The JD-S, which will be going to the polls without experienced leader M P Prakash, has decided to lay more emphasis on the rural areas of Karnataka. There will also be some extensive campaigning in the North of Karnataka and Mysore districts, as the party really has to regroup in these belts.

Additional Reportage: PTI