A video of DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has gone viral in which his right hand can be seen shaking wildly, akin to someone suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
On 13 January 2024, Chief Minister M K Stalin inaugurated the annual Tamil cultural festival, “Chennai Sangamam – Namma Ooru Thiruvizha” at Theevu Thidal (Island Grounds) in Chennai.
நம் மாண்புமிகு முதலமைச்சர் திரு. மு. க. ஸ்டாலின் அவர்கள் ஜனவரி-13, தீவுத்திடலில் நடைபெறும் சென்னை சங்கமத்தின் பிரமாண்ட தொடக்கவிழாவில் பங்கேற்று, நிகழ்வைத் தொடங்கி வைக்கிறார். #chennaisangamam #chennaisangamam2024 #nammaooruthiruvizha pic.twitter.com/rrXKbMfQLu
— Greater Chennai Corporation (@chennaicorp) January 12, 2024
He commenced the 2024 edition by playing the muzhavu murasu (ceremonial drum) in the presence of Member of Parliament and DMK Deputy General Secretary Kanimozhi, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister PK Sekar Babu, and Tamil Development, Information, and Publicity Minister MP Swaminathan.
Scheduled to run from 13 to 17 January 2024, the four-day event will take place at 18 locations across the city, showcasing various dance forms from Tamil Nadu during the Pongal festival.
Initiated by Kanimozhi in 2007 to promote Tamil art forms, the ongoing Chennai Sangamam festival will feature a diverse range of performances by artists from Tamil Nadu and other states. The program includes Rouf from Kashmir, Lai Haraoba Manipur, Sambalpuri from Odisha, Bhangra from Punjab, Nayandi Melam, Karakaattam, Kavadiaattam, Silambattam, Villisai, and Bharatanatyam, as per the information provided by the Greater Chennai Corporation. In addition to Chennai, the festival will also be conducted in Kancheepuram, Vellore, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tirunelveli.
Over the past week, rumors have been circulating in Tamil Nadu regarding Chief Minister Stalin’s poor health. However, both his son Udhayanidhi Stalin and Stalin himself later refuted these claims.
#BREAKING | துணை முதலமைச்சராகும் உதயநிதி ஸ்டாலின்? #UdhayanidhiStalin | #DMK | #DeputyChiefMinister | #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/ppqBjTfA21
— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) January 11, 2024
During the Tamil diaspora day speech he joyfully asked “Is everybody good? Are you all happy?”
He opened up speaking regarding the controversy of his health “Yesterday a newspaper reported that I’m not well and brisk.. By reading that I felt laughing! What do I lack? Tamil Nadu and Tamil people are happy! What do I need other than that?”
He also expressed his happiness in serving the people, stating “I came across a video yesterday where a sister from Chennai was expressing her gratitude. She received ₹1000 from Kalaingar Mahalir Urimai Thogai, a Pongal gift of ₹1000, rice, sugar, and sugarcane, and received a relief fund of ₹6000. In one month CM provided ₹8000 to me, I need not rely on anyone else she said. Seeing joy in her face is my energy tonic!! My thought revolves only around my people not about me. In all situations I’m with the people. I am working beyond my capabilities.. I’ll avoid such news and work tirelessly”
CM MK Stalin replies to 'rumours' about his health condition!#DMK #MKStalin #TNGovt #Worldtamildiasporaday #Chennai pic.twitter.com/7VpnijhTrp
— Tamilmint (@TamilMintNews) January 12, 2024
However, during the inaugural festival of Chennai Tamil Sangam, after he played the muzhavu (drums), his hands were seen trembling intensely.
Sun TV காரன் இந்த விடீயோவை ‘நடுங்கி’ delete பண்ணிட்டான் 😂
— Dr. 2G Spectrum 🍇 💰 (War Room: Navy 🇮🇳🪷⚓️) (@EURONGREYJOY007) January 13, 2024
This video released by DMK family-owned Sun News was however deleted later. An edited clip removing the portion in question was shared by Sun News again.
Watch | சென்னை சங்கமம் நம்ம ஊரு திருவிழா நிகழ்ச்சியை முரசடித்து தொடங்கி வைத்தார் முதலமைச்சர் மு.க.ஸ்டாலின்!#SunNews | #ChennaiSangamam2024 | @mkstalin | @KanimozhiDMK pic.twitter.com/m1F86Xft4Q
— Sun News (@sunnewstamil) January 13, 2024
A few netizens suggested that he should be granted a break accompanied by appropriate healthcare.
Very sad to see this. He needs physical and mental rest along with proper medical care 🙏
— இந்தா வாயின்கோ – Take That (@indhavaainko) January 13, 2024
Some pointed out that the tremors could be indicative of Parkinson’s disease, but it remains uncertain whether CM is afflicted by this debilitating condition.
Parkinson disease! End stage parkinson disease would be horrible! It can aggravate very quickly… if the limbs gave up, final stage have arrived…
I lost my mother-in-law to this disease…— Unapologetic Sanatani – சனாதனி (@abi_tweeting) January 13, 2024
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with aging, characterized by the gradual deterioration of certain brain regions. Its most recognizable symptoms include reduced mobility, tremors, difficulties in balancing the body, and more. While the exact cause of most cases remains unclear, some instances have a genetic component. Although the condition cannot be cured, numerous treatment possibilities are available.
Some speculated that the decision to appoint Udhayanidhi Stalin as Deputy Chief Minister might be attributed to this factor.
That's the reason Uday is getting crowned as Deputy CM.
— சனாதன தர்மம் 108 ! (@Sanathan_108) January 13, 2024
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