Jayalalithaa a fighter, will continue to serve people of Tamil Nadu: Venkaiah Naidu

CHENNAI: Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today described hospitalised Chief Minister Jayalalithaa as a "fighter" and voiced confidence that she would continue to serve the people of Tamil Nadu.

The senior BJP leader, who had yesterday visited Apollo Hospitals where the AIADMK supremo is undergoing treatment since September 22, also questioned DMK's demand for naming an interim Chief Minister, saying it was up to AIADMK to take a decision on the matter and not "anyone from outside".

Speaking to reporters here after making a "courtesy call" on Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, Naidu said he had visited Apollo Hospitals yesterday where the doctors had explained to him about the medical treatment being given to Jayalalithaa.

"I am confident that she has a strong will power and she is always a fighter. I am confident that she will fight back and become normal and continue to serve the people of Tamil Nadu and that is my wish," he said.

Since a "popular leader" has been hospitalised, rumours and speculation about her health should not be allowed as that was not good for the people of the state as well as the "person who is hospitalised", he said.

Asked about the DMK's demand to name an interim Chief Minister or an acting CM till the time Jayalalithaa returned, Naidu said, "It is a matter to be decided by that party (AIADMK) which has got majority," in the state Assembly.

"How can anybody from outside say you have to put Deputy Chief Minister. After Chief Minister, there are ministers. And ministers will be performing their responsibilities," he said.

Naidu said when the Prime Minister goes out of the country, "still there are ministers" who are functioning.

"Here the Chief Minister is very much there. And then there is a council of ministers selected by her and they are functioning. And they should function accordingly."

"If there is some problem, then that will be looked into by the Governor as and when (if) a situation arises at all. Otherwise all these unnecessary speculations are not good," he said.

On his meeting the governor, Naidu said, "It is a courtesy call."

Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospitals after she complained of fever and dehydration.