Karunanidhi admitted to hospital with back pain

Chennai, Jan 26 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi was early Monday admitted to the Sri Ramachandra Medical College Hospital here after complaining of severe backache, a spokesperson of the ruling party DMK said.

'The chief minister had been experiencing acute pain due to the hardening of muscles - a normal problem encountered due to advancing age. He is, however, feeling better now,' the spokesperson said.

'The chief minister had been advised complete rest a few months ago when he encountered the first indications of the problem. Since it surfaced again today in the form of severe pain, he was rushed to hospital as a matter of precaution,' he added.

According to family sources, Karunanidhi's wife Dayalu Ammal as well as MP and grand-nephew Dayanidhi Maran were at the hospital.

Hospital authorities said party leaders have been requested not to disturb the 85-year-old DMK patriarch as 'he needs complete rest'.

A state government press statement said Karunanidhi's engagements have been cancelled till further notice.