Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who is recuperating in Apollo Hospitals, has an inflamed right hand as she had undergone tracheostomy, and so has affixed her left thumb impression in the poll documents submitted by an AIADMK candidate.

Polling in Aravakurichi, Thanjavur and Thiruparankundram Assembly constituencies is slated for November 19 and the ruling AIADMK candidates have filed their papers. As per the Representation of People Act, a candidate contesting on behalf of a political party has to submit Form B. The leader of the political party has to authorise the candidate to contest under the party’s election symbol.

The three AIADMK candidates submitted their papers on October 28 to the returning officers. Jayalalithaa’s left thumb impression on the form submitted by AIADMK Thiruparankundram candidate AK Bose was attested by government doctor P Balaji, professor of Minimal Access Surgery, Madras Medical College.

Balaji said, “Since the signatory has undergone tracheostomy recently and has an inflamed right hand, she is temporarily unable to affix her signature. Hence she has affixed her left thumb impression on her own in my presence.” Dr Babu K Abraham working in Apollo Hospitals signed as a witness.

Tracheostomy is a medical procedure whereby a direct airway is created by an incision in the windpipe enabling air to enter the lungs, allowing the person to breathe through the tube, bypassing the nose and mouth.

The 68-year-old was admitted to the hospital with fever and dehydration on September 22. Doctors later said she needed a longer stay at the hospital as she had infection and was put on respiratory support.

According to Apollo, a team of specialists, including cardiologists, respiratory physicians, consultants for infectious diseases, diabetologist and endocrinologist are treating the chief minister. In its medical bulletin, issued on October 21, Apollo Hospitals said that Jayalalithaa “is interacting (with people) and progressing gradually”.