Though the official version is a bout of flu, ailments related to heavy drinking are learnt to have been behind ex-CM H D Kumaraswamy's recent hospital stay

FORMER chief minister H D Kumaraswamy is just out of hospital, after what was stated to be a bout of flu.

But while that may be the truth, it is not the complete truth and the JD(S) leader is suffering from more serious ailments, enough to put a stop to the all-night drinking parties he is said to love so much, reveal hospital insiders.

Although Kumaraswamy did have viral fever, sources said he was also suffering from ascites and lung infection, which would make him breathless.



The son of former PM d Deve Gowda underwent treatment at Jayadeva, a government heart hospital, for a week before he was sent home on Wednesday.

His brother-in-law Dr C N Manjunath is the director of the hospital and he personally treated the former CM, who has a history of various medical problems, including heart trouble that necessitated a valve replacement two years ago.

Ascites accumulation of fluid between two membranes separating internal organs from the abdominal wall -.- is cause for concern since it is most often the result of cirrhosis of the liver, generally related to alcoholism.

No control

"It is a bit alarming and he's been advised to keep away from drink, and to stop smoking completely," said a doctor in Jayadeva.

Apparently, drinking and smoking had gone out of control of late for Kumaraswamy.



He was seen partying whole nights away with his close friends Chaluvaraya Swamy, H C Balakrishna, Zameer Ahmed Khan and others, at his guesthouse in Sadashiva Nagar.

While Balakrishna and Zameer are members of the Legislative Assembly, Chaluvraya Swamy is a member of Parliament from Mandya.

Father worried

Kumaraswamy's father Deve Gowda, in a one-on-one conversation on the sidelines of a press conference he had recently called, said, "It is better to close that guesthouse; otherwise, he won't improve."

The Gowda family is learnt to have squabbled several times over the issue and the JD (S) patriarch had given strict instructions to his son to drop his nocturnal fraternising with the trio of Chaluvaraya Swamy, Balakrishna and Zameer.

Balakrishna and Zameer are almost teetotallers, while Chaluvarya Swamy has reduced alcohol consumption after undergoing a heart surgery recently.

But this did not stop Kumaraswamy from going the whole hog in their company.

Dr Vivek Javali, the well-known heart surgeon at Wockhardt who had operated upon Kumaraswamy when the valve was replaced, said, "I had advised him a strict diet as he is also a diabetic and has high blood pressure.
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Former CM H D Kumaraswamy's guesthouse, where he is said to have had all-night drinking sessions with his lawmaker friends.

I don't know whether he is following it because I am not treating him now. Dr. Manjunath is looking after him."

When contacted, Dr Manjunath said, "He is normal now and there is nothing to worry about his health condition."

But Kumarswamy spent all of Thursday at his elder sister's home in Padmanabha Nagar, with doctors advising him complete bed rest at least for 10 days.

"Kumaswamy is recovering and he will join our fight against illegal acquisition of farmers' land on February 23," said Gowda. "I hope he will return with added energy and vigour."

Kumaraswamy's List of health woes

H D Kumarswamy's chief worry is his liver, but his upper lungs are also badly infected because of excessive drinking and smoking. Two years ago his heart valve was replaced and it continues to be delicate. "When he was admitted to the hospital last week, he was not in a position to sit or stand,"u00a0said a person close to Kumaraswamy. "We were scared because he was not in his senses completely." A diabetic, Kumarswamy also has high blood pressure. He also complains of chronic pain in knees, as arthritis has started showing up. Despite doctors' strict instructions, Kumaraswamy is learnt to be continuing consumption of red meat and fatty food. Seeking divine help When Kumaraswamy underwent heart surgery two years ago, his family had dropped a gold heart in the Tirupathi hundi on the advise of Bhanupkash Sharma, now a family priest of chief minister B S Yeddyurappa. Sharma had also performed the 'Aditya Hridaya', a ritual that is supposed to be helpful in curing heart decease. However, this time the Gowda family did not consult Sharma. "If they call me, I will give a good remedy," said he. How do you like the new new mid-day.com experience? Share your feedback and help us improve. Read Next Story Biddu set to make hearts go boom, boom› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Mid-Day Fast ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT