The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Friday urged the Tamil Nadu government to dispel the rumours surrounding Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's health and requested Governor Chennamaneni Vidyasagar Rao to take "due steps" in this regard even as the police filed a case against an "unknown person" for allegedly circulating rumours about the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam supremo's condition.
The case was filed under various sections of the IPC, including those dealing with "public mischief" and "promoting enmity between classes".
Police said it was lodged on the basis of a complaint from AIADMK IT Wing secretary G Ramachandran, who alleged that the rumours were being circulated from a Facebook ID, 'Tamizhachi', suspected to be of a woman residing in France.
Police also warned rumour-mongers of strict legal action.
Meanwhile, DMK chief M Karunanidhi wished the Chief Minister a speedy recovery, but urged the government to "put an end to the rumours" surrounding his arch political rival's health.
While Apollo Hospitals, where the AIADMK supremo is recuperating from fever and dehydration, was issuing bulletins about her health, some "unwanted rumours" were "deliberately" being floated by "some persons," he said.
"Some persons are spreading unwanted rumours about her health on the social media and to put an end to it, proper information about the Chief Minister's health must be made available to the people," Karunanidhi said in a statement.
"The state administration should work to put an end to such rumours and the Governor should take due steps in this regard. I insist upon this since this is the desire of the people," he added.
The DMK chief suggested that photographs of the chief minister may be released through the media to quell any kind of rumours being circulated about her health.
Quoting from a section of the media, he said when AIADMK founder and former chief minister late MG Ramachandran was hospitalised in 1984 here, regular briefings on his status were made by then health minister HV Hande.
Karunanidhi said though he differed with Jayalalithaa ideologically, "it is my desire that she recovers soon and takes up official duties as usual", and wished her a speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, the AIADMK slammed the rumour-mongers and alleged that "efforts" were being made to "confuse" the people and party workers.
"Some persons are trying to create confusion among the people and party workers by spreading rumours," AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswathy said.
She pointed out that Jayalalithaa has been monitoring the Cauvery situation from the hospital, while she also announced festive bonus for state government employees on Wednesday.
Expressing concern over rumours being spread through the social media, the spokesperson said such platforms should be used in a "constructive" way.
Meanwhile, prayers were being held by AIADMK workers in different parts of the state for the speedy recovery of Jayalalithaa with an avid supporter performing a pooja right outside Apollo Hospital.
Jayalalithaa (68) was admitted to the hospital on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration.
She has been advised to stay at the hospital for a few days.
Representative Photograph: PTI
