Ailing Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief M Karunanidhi will require an “extended period of hospitalisation”, the Kauvery Hospital in Chennai said in a statement on Tuesday evening. The hospital said the former Tamil Nadu chief minister will remain in hospital due to “age related overall decline in his general health, altered liver functions and haematological parameters”.

However, the hospital added that Karunanidhi continued to “maintain his vital signs, with active medical support”.

Earlier in the day, Congress President Rahul Gandhi visited Karunanidhi, and said his condition was stable. “I wanted to come and see Karunanidhiji,” ANI quoted Gandhi as saying. “I met him and he is stable. [United Progressive Alliance chairperson] Soniaji [Gandhi] has sent her best wishes and regards to his family.”

DMK Working President MK Stalin said on Monday that his father was recovering after a setback to his health. “He continues to be under keen observation of the doctors,” Stalin said, according to the Hindustan Times. “Karunanidhi’s condition is stable as stated in Sunday’s medical bulletin.”

Apart from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena’s representatives also met Karunanidhi at the hospital on Monday. They submitted a letter from Sirisena to Stalin, wishing Karunanidhi a speedy recovery, the Hindustan Times said.