Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has been hospitalised with fever and dehydration in Apollo hospitals. Doctors at the Apollo Hospitals said that the 68-year-old AIADMK party chief is stable and under observation.

This is the first time she has been hospitalised and an official statement has been released.

Since her return to office after her acquittal in a disproportionate assets case last year, many including her rival 92-year-old DMK Chief Karunanidhi have sought clarifications about her health following speculation in the media and political circles.

Ms Jayalalithaa often worked from home or attended office for just half an hour has been pointed at by many as signs of her worsening health.

However, at her swearing-in ceremony in May, the process was expedited conspicuously. Ministers swore oaths together in groups unlike the traditional individual act.

In recent months, actor-turned-politician has also began to address public meetings seated. During the Independence Day celebrations last month, Ms Jayalalithaa took her seat a few times between the ceremony as she gave away the customary awards