Bengaluru (PTI): Congress President M Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday paid a visit to veteran politician and former chief minister S M Krishna, who is undergoing treatment at a private hospital here, and wished him a speedy recovery.

The hospital where the 91-year-old was admitted last week said he had come in with a "minor ailment" and is medically stable.

He is recovering well and there is no need for worry, Manipal Hospitals said, adding that he is being treated by a team of medical experts.

"S M Krishna is our former chief minister; I have worked with him as minister in the state, he was minister with me at the Centre. On getting to know about his ill health I have come to see him and wish him a speedy recovery and quick improvement in his health," Kharge said.

While speaking to reporters here after meeting Krishna, he said, "He is improving, he is speaking and enquired with me as to when I came and other things. There is improvement. He has had a disciplined life since the beginning; naturally he will improve quickly. He is strong mentally and physically. Doctors also are taking care."

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah too had visited the elderly Congress leader at the hospital yesterday evening and enquired about his health.

Krishna was reportedly admitted to another super-speciality hospital in the city earlier this month, as he suffered an acute respiratory infection, and was discharged after treatment.

Krishna was chief minister from October 11, 1999 to May 28, 2004. He has also served as External Affairs Minister during the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance government from 2009 to 2012, and also as Maharashtra Governor.

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Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued red alert for four districts in Kerala - Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, and Alappuzha - forecasting extremely heavy rainfall until May 21.

As heavy rains pose potential hazards, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has advised people to remain vigilant.

With expectations of heavy rainfall within a short timeframe, there's a risk of flash floods and urban waterlogging, particularly in low-lying areas. Landslides may also be triggered by prolonged rainfall. In light of this, authorities are urging residents, especially those in hilly and coastal regions, to exercise caution and stay alert.

The IMD has also sounded orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam district until Tuesday.

A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain (6 cm to 20 cm). A yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 cm.

Earlier in the day, the Idukki District Collector ordered a ban on night travel through the hilly areas of the district from Sunday until the red and orange alerts are withdrawn.

''Strict instructions have been issued to the District Superintendent of Police, Sub Divisional Magistrates, Regional Transport Officers, and Tehsildars to implement the ban effectively,'' an official statement said.

Mining activities have been banned in Ernakulam and Kottayam districts in view of the forecast for heavy rain.

The southern district of Thiruvananthapuram experienced heavy rains on Saturday night, leading to waterlogging in the city and its suburbs, affecting normal life.

Visuals aired by news channels showed that houses and shops were flooded in some parts. Due to the non-completion of the Smart City Road, waterlogging has worsened in many places. In some areas, canals crisscrossing the capital city and its suburbs overflowed.

The affected people alleged that the lack of pre-monsoon cleaning of canals and drainage systems was the reason for the waterlogging in the capital city and its suburbs.