DMK chief M Karunanidhi has been admitted to a Chennai hospital a week after he got discharged from there.

In a late night statement, Kauvery hospital said: "Mr Karunanidhi was readmitted after he faced difficulty breathing due to a throat and lung infection."

"He is stable and is being treated by a team of doctors," read a statement by S Aravindan, the hospital's executive director.

Mr Karunanidhi was admitted to Kauvery hospital on December 1 after receiving treatment at home for some time for a drug-induced allergy.

Doctors said "he was there for nutrition and hydrational support. He was allowed to go home a week later. He was advised to take rest and warned against contracting any infection."

Because of drug-induced allergy, the former chief minister was out of public life for more than a month.

The party had urged its supporters not to visit the veteran leader in view of the medical advice. Later, actor Rajinikanth and noted Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu had visited the leader and inquired about his health.

From his hospital bed, Mr Karunanidhi had sent in his condolences for former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa who died on December 5.

"Although she might have died at a young age (68), there is no doubt that her fame will remain forever," he had said.

The veteran leader's hospitalisation comes days ahead of his party's General council, which is to be held on December 20 in Chennai.

Karunanidhi Admitted in Kauvery Hospital in Chennai

BY M. DIVYA SRI