Anna to be flown to US for treatment

Madras: Madras’ ailing Chief Minister, Mr. C. N. Annadurai, is to be flown to the United States on September 10 for further treatment.

Mr. Annadurai entered the general hospital here on Wednesday last after he had found difficulty in swallowing for some time. An endoscopic examination the next day revealed the presence of a “fleshy growth” and doctors advised surgery.

The 59- year- old Chief Minister will be accompanied to the United States by his wife, Rani Annadurai, his adopted son, Parimalam, and Dr. C. S. Sadasivam, thoracic surgeon of the general hospital.

Mr. C. A. Ramakrishnan, Chief Secretary to the Madras Government, told newsmen today that during Mr. Annadurai’s absence, his portfolios would be reallocated among his Cabinet colleagues as was done during his visit to the United States earlier this year.

Pressmen who called at the hospital this morning found the Chief Minister sitting up in bed.

Among those who called on Mr. Annadurai this morning were Mr. M. Bhaktavatsalam, former Congress Chief Minister of Madras, and Mr. E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker, Dravida Kazhagam leader.

Mr. K. Kamaraj, former Congress President, and Mr. C. Subramaniam, President of the Tamilnad Congress Committee, visited the Chief Minister last night.

This morning, a newman asked Dr. S. Govindarajan, dean of the general hospital, if the Chief Minister’s complaint has been diagnosed as cancer. He replied: “We do not know yet.”

A medical bulletin issued this afternoon signed by three doctors attending on him says: “The Hon. Chief Minister spent a restful night and got up late. His temperature is normal and he is cheerful. He sits up in his bed and in an easy chair.”

Mr. Annadurai will be 60 on September 15.

Mr. Annadurai often complained of pain in the shoulder. He used to visit hospitals for medical check- ups. He was in the general hospital for over a fortnight in April last.