CM ‘devotees’ pray for her health outside hospital

K Arumugam (67) left his family in rural Sankarankovil near Tirunelveli and arrived in the city the minute he heard about the Chief Minister’s hospitalisation. He spends all his time on the road and sits facing the hospital. “I want to see her come out of the hospital. I am not a party member, but I am her devotee. She has done a lot for us, like conducting free marriages. She is sick, but I am eating well, thanks to her Amma canteen,” he says. “I pray for her health daily and I am sure she will soon be on her feet.”

Across from him is Vellore-born SP Velu, a die-hard fan of Jayalalithaa for over 30 years. Employed at a catering firm in the city, he dropped everything to rush to the hospital, where he remains round-the-clock. “I don’t care about my job, income or money. Just staying here gives me a feeling that the Chief Minister is with us. Just watch, she will be back to resume her responsibilities soon,” says the 57-year old. 

(L to R) M Manivannan, SP Velu and K Arumugam 

For M Manivannan, his memory of Jayalalithaa goes back to his childhood days when he received the “physically challenged’ certificate from her at a function in his hometown Kaniyamoor in Cuddalore district. That gift made a difference to him. ‘When I heard she was sick, I came here at once,” says the32-year old post-graduate teacher, who has not gone home for the last 14 days. “I am waiting for the moment when she comes out of the hospital.