Panneerselvam takes over Jayalalithaa's portfolios in Tamil Nadu

This step was taken as Jayalalithaa has been hospitalised since Sept 22; she'll continue as CM

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister O Panneerselvam — who has served as the interim chief minister of the state twice — has taken over all the portfolios of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who has been hospitalised since September 22.

A Raj Bhavan release said on Tuesday that under Clause (3) of Article 166 of the Constitution of India, the governor allocated the subjects hitherto dealt with by Jayalalithaa to Panneerselvam.  He will also preside over the Cabinet meetings. This arrangement has been made according to the advice of the CM and will continue until Jayalalithaa resumes her duties.

Jayalalithaa will continue as CM. Apollo Hospitals had said on Monday that Jayalalithaa was constantly being monitored by doctors and that respiratory support, antibiotics, nutrition, supportive therapy and passive physiotherapy were being provided to her.

“Professor Dr G Khilnani, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS, visited again on October 9 and 10 and examined her. He had discussions with the Expert Panel in the Apollo Hospitals and concurred with the present line of treatment being given to the Chief Minister,” a hospital statement said.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to the hospital three weeks ago after she complained of fever and dehydration.