Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa is "interacting and progressing gradually", Apollo Hospital Chennai's director of medical services told ANI on Friday. Hospital authorities told the news agency that the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief is undergoing treatment administered by a team of experts and observation for all "vital parameters, respiratory support and physiotherapy".

On October 20, her party spokesperson CR Saraswathy said that she has "progressed very well' and will soon be discharged from the hospital. He said that her doctors had advised rest for about 10 more days.

Jayalalithaa's condition has been closely monitored by Apollo Hospital experts ever since she was admitted to the facility on September 22. Her health has been a major cause for concern in the state. AIADMK supporters are still holding special prayers across Tamil Nadu for her recovery. One of her supporters reportedly committed suicide in Tirupur district on October 13 after reading reports about her health deteriorating.

The AIADMK has tried to end speculation about her health. So far, eight people have been arrested for "spreading rumours" about her condition, and more than 50 cases have been registered. On October 10, the AIADMK had launched a social media campaign, urging supporters to help end the speculation. The party asked supporters to use the campaign's image as their profile picture on social media and use the hashtags #MyCMIsFine and #NoMoreRumours.

Opposition leader MK Stalin, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, Nita Ambani and Kollywood actor Rajinikanth were among those who have visited Apollo Hospital, but none were allowed inside her ward.