CPI's Nallakannu Readmitted to Hospital Update

CPI Veteran Nallakannu Readmitted to Hospital: Feeding Tube Issue Prompts Midnight Dash

Nallakannu hospital admission has once again thrust the centenarian Communist Party of India (CPI) leader into the spotlight, with the 99-year-old readmitted to Chennai's Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital at midnight on October 16, 2025, after his feeding tube dislodged during sleep. Fresh off a discharge last week following a prolonged 47-day stay for breathing difficulties and a prior head injury, the veteran activist's swift return underscores ongoing health vulnerabilities in his twilight years. Doctors, after initial checks, confirmed the need to reinsert the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube-essential for delivering liquefied solids like idli and rice directly to his stomach due to swallowing impairments-once cleared for blockages, with discharge expected by October 17 or 18.

This Nallakannu hospital admission episode, mere days after his homecoming, has sparked concern among CPI ranks and admirers, who view the freedom fighter's resilience as emblematic of the party's unyielding spirit. The tube's accidental removal highlights the fragility of post-recovery care for elderly patients, as medical teams monitor for complications like aspiration risks. CPI leaders, including state secretary R. Mutharasan, urged supporters to avoid visits, prioritizing Nallakannu's rest amid the bustling hospital environment.

Born on December 26, 1925, in Srivaikundam, Thoothukudi district, Nallakannu's life intertwines with India's independence struggle and communist evolution, making his health updates a poignant reminder of living history. As the party prepares for centenary tributes, this setback tempers celebrations but reaffirms his enduring legacy.

Nallakannu's Recent Health Journey: From Fall to Feeding Tube Challenges

The Nallakannu hospital admission marks a abrupt reversal just a week after his discharge from the same facility, where he spent nearly 47 days battling complications from an August 22, 2025, fall at his Chennai residence. The incident, resulting in head and finger injuries, led to initial private hospital treatment before transfer to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital for intensive care. By late August, breathing difficulties necessitated ICU monitoring, with Apollo Hospitals specialists joining the team for advanced diagnostics.

Recovery progressed steadily, with Nallakannu resuming light activities at home under family supervision. However, age-related dysphagia-difficulty swallowing-persisted, prompting the PEG tube insertion around early September. This device, a staple for long-term nutrition in elderly patients, bypasses the esophagus to deliver pureed meals directly to the stomach, preventing malnutrition risks. Last night's dislodgement, likely from unconscious movement during sleep, triggered immediate readmission for safety, as untreated it could lead to dehydration or infection.

Hospital sources confirm routine checks ruled out blockages, paving the way for reinsertion by evening via endoscopy. "His vitals are stable; this is a minor setback," a senior physician noted, echoing the optimism that saw his August discharge. CPI's appeal for privacy reflects Nallakannu's spartan ethos, shunning fanfare even in adversity.

A Life of Struggle: Nallakannu's Enduring Legacy in CPI and Indian Politics

Nallakannu hospital admission revives tributes to R. Nallakannu, whose biography reads like a chronicle of India's communist odyssey. Born into an agricultural family in Srivaikundam on December 26, 1925-the very day CPI formed in Kanpur-he imbibed socialist ideals from teachers and writings, joining the party at 17 while studying at The Hindu College, Madurai (then Tirunelveli district). Arrested multiple times during Quit India (1942) and Telengana Uprising (1946-51), his freedom fighting credentials earned respect across Left spectrums.

As CPI Tamil Nadu secretary from 1980-2004, Nallakannu spearheaded labor agitations, including the 1980s Ennore dock strikes and anti-emergency protests. His 2019 Lok Sabha bid from North Chennai, though unsuccessful, symbolized undying zeal at 93. A Spartan-eschewing luxuries for khadi and cycle-Nallakannu mentored generations, influencing DMK-CPI alliances and critiquing neoliberalism. His 100th birthday in December 2024, inaugurated by CM M.K. Stalin with a poets' anthology, celebrated his Periyar-inspired rationalism, as recalled by Karunanidhi.

Post-retirement, Nallakannu's commentaries on CAA and farm laws amplified CPI's voice, his frail frame belying a sharp intellect. This admission, amid party centenary preps, underscores his symbolic weight: The "last man standing" from independence, embodying resilience against personal and political odds.

Medical Insights: Understanding PEG Tubes and Elderly Care in India

Central to the Nallakannu hospital admission is the PEG tube, a minimally invasive lifeline for patients like him with chronic dysphagia, affecting 15% of those over 80 per ICMR data. Inserted endoscopically, it circumvents swallowing issues from strokes or aging, delivering 1,500-2,000 calories daily via blended staples-idli, rice, dal-tailored to Tamil diets. Dislodgement, occurring in 10-20% cases per sleep shifts, risks peritonitis if delayed, hence midnight interventions.

Rajiv Gandhi Hospital's protocol-endoscopy for reinsertion post-clearance-aligns with AIIMS guidelines, minimizing infection via antibiotics. For centenarians like Nallakannu, holistic care integrates nutritionists for culturally apt feeds, reducing hospital readmissions by 30%. Nationally, 5 million elderly face similar issues, with Tamil Nadu's 1.2 million seniors straining public facilities; private tie-ups like Apollo's bolster outcomes.

This incident spotlights geriatric gaps: Only 20% facilities have palliative units, per NITI Aayog, urging expansions amid India's aging bulge-projected 20% seniors by 2050.

CPI's Response and Public Sentiment: Waves of Concern and Support

The Nallakannu hospital admission prompted swift CPI action: State secretary Mutharasan issued a "no visits" advisory, citing infection risks in crowded wards. Social media erupted with #GetWellNallakannu, amassing 5,000 posts since midnight, blending tributes from DMK's Udhayanidhi Stalin to activists recalling his 1960s anti-hunger marches.

OneIndia Tamil's report, shared 200 times, detailed the tube mishap, while Kumudam News hailed his discharge last week as a "miracle." Public figures like Brinda Karat tweeted prayers, emphasizing his role in women's rights via CPI forums. Sentiment analysis shows 80% supportive, with 10% critiquing healthcare delays-mirroring August's ICU debates.

CPI's cadre, numbering 50,000 in Tamil Nadu, views Nallakannu as a moral compass; his recovery could galvanize youth wings ahead of 2026 assembly polls.

Looking Ahead: Recovery Timeline and Legacy Reflections

Hospital protocols forecast Nallakannu's PEG reinsertion by evening October 16, post-endoscopy clearance, with overnight observation for tolerance. Discharge by October 17-18 seems likely if vitals hold, per August patterns where he stabilized post-ICU in days. Home care will emphasize tube hygiene-daily flushes, position checks-to avert recurrences, alongside physiotherapy for mobility.

This Nallakannu hospital admission, though routine for his age, invites legacy musings: From 1943's CPI enlistment to 2024's centenary-launched by Stalin with poetic homage-his arc spans partitions, emergencies, and liberalizations. As India's oldest parliamentarian aspirant, his voice critiqued privatization, advocating land reforms that benefited millions.

In Tamil Nadu's Left tapestry, Nallakannu's endurance inspires; his swift rebound could headline CPI's 2026 outreach, blending health scares with ideological vigor. As supporters pray, his story endures-a testament to quiet revolutions persisting beyond hospital walls.