Jaya a fighter, will continue to serve people of TN: Naidu

Naidu, however, urged the state functionaries to keep working despite their leader's absence

Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu described hospitalised Chief Minister Jayalalithaa as a "fighter" on Ocotber 20, while voicing 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 at Chennai, Naidu said he had visited Apollo Hospitals on Ocotber 9 where the doctors explained to him what medical treatment was 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.

Naidu, however, said that when the Prime Minister goes out of the country, "there are ministers" who keep functioning still, adding that the state should also function accordingly depsite their leader's absence.

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

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