DMK president and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, who was admitted to a city hospital late last night after he complained of difficulty in breathing, underwent tracheostomy on Friday.

A release issued by the Kauvery Hospital executive director Dr. S. Aravindan this afternoon said, “Karunanidhi has undergone tracheostomy to optimise breathing. He is stable, on antibiotics and is being treated by a team of doctors.”

There was heavy traffic on the TTK Road as media and party cadres gathered near the hospital. Traffic police have been deployed at the junction and were trying their best to keep the situation under control.

Among the notable visitors were former MLAs, MPs and Ministers. From the DMK, Kanimozhi, Durai Murugan, Dayanidhi Maran, Anbazhagan, T.R. Baalu, Ponmudi, K.P.P. Samy, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and Poongothai Aaladi Aruna were seen at the premises.

M.K. Muthu’s son, who is also a doctor, also visited Karunanidhi this morning.

“The doctors said Karunanidhi’s condition is stable. He is currently undergoing further treatment,” CPI leader D Pandian said while coming out of the hospital.

There was mild tension in the morning when the hospital’s security guard tried to push away a cameraman, but, soon, the situation was brought under control.

Senior party leaders had earlier requested cadres and supporters to avoid calling on Karunanidhi at home as he needed complete rest on medical advice.