Jayalalithaa suffers cardiac arrest, is critical

J Jayalalithaa, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and one of India's most iconic politicians, has had a cardiac arrest this evening as reported by the hospital authorities in Chennai. Jayalalithaa has spent the last three months being treated for a prolonged lung infection with most of the communication regarding her health coming from the hospital authorities only.

"She is being treated and monitored by a team of experts, including cardiologists, pulmonologist and critical care specialists," said Dr Subbaiah Viswanathan of Apollo Hospital.

Senior ministers are converging at the hospital according to reports.. Supporters of Jayalalithaa have been seen gathering outside to pray for her. The Press Trust of India reported that nine units of anti-riot police, each with about 100 members, are being prepped to flown into Tamil Nadu, if needed.

#Jayalalithaa has suffered cardiac arrest, here's the Apollo health bulletin. Pic Credit : Outlook pic.twitter.com/zdTt4ceLeK

— SheThePeople (@SheThePeople) December 4, 2016

Jayalalithaa been undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai since September 22. A few weeks ago amidst rumours that her conditions had worsened a health bulletin by the hospital had assured her followers that she was on her way to improvement.