Chennai is getting ready for any eventuality with DMK chief K Karunanidhi’s health deteriorating. 

Two years ago, the situation in Chennai was similar. AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa’s demise drowned the state in sorrow on 5 December, 2016. Her body was placed at Rajaji Hall in Chennai, where followers, cadres, people, politicians and friends gathered to pay their last respects.

The space behind late Tamil Nadu chief minister MG Ramachandran's memorial was readied to lay Jayalalithaa’s body to rest.

Cut to today.

With reports of DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi’s deteriorating health emerging, many politicians and well-wishers are thronging his residence in Gopalapuram, Chennai. The family, including his son MK Stalin, said that his condition is stable. But action is witnessed at the same Rajaji Hall.

There is activity witnessed in Anna memorial on Marina Beach Road too. The space behind late chief minister Annadurai is reportedly being prepared. However, no official word yet.

There are rumours that the Chennai Corporation has given the green signal for the memorial to be set. A fleet of SUVs are kept on standby, close to this place.

Some reports say that these vehicles have been arranged for ferrying VIPs. All eyes are on Kalaignar (meaning artiste), as he was fondly known. Is the stage being set literally for the artiste?