Chennai, Jan 26, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi failed to attend the Republic Day ceremony this year after being admitted to Ramchandra Medical College hospital here.

Governor S.S. Barnala unfurled the national tricolour at Marinas.

Karunanidhi had been suffering from backache for some time due to stiffened muscles, said an official release.

Doctors have advised the Chief Minister to take complete rest for a week and all his engagements during this period have been postponed, the release added.

Visitors have been requested to allow the CM to take proper rest and prevent any disturbance. (ANI)