Anna Hazare may have to drop his plan to visit 5 poll-bound states

New Delhi: Uncertainty prevails over Anna Hazare's plans to tour the five poll-bound states because of his ill-health. Hazare was hospitalised on Saturday night in Pune as he is suffering from severe bronchitis, chest infection and a viral fever.

Doctors say his condition is improving but he needs complete rest for the next seven days. Doctors also said that he should not go on a fast for the next one month.

"Anna is responding to treatment. He should not be exposed to pollution, should take full rest. He needs medical treatment for 5-6 days. For a month he should keep his activities to the minimum," Pune hospital sources said on Monday.

The 74-year-old anti-corruption crusader was forced to break his last fast on December 28 in Mumbai earlier than planned because he was unwell.

As a result, India Against Corruption has indefinitely postponed its core committee meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday.

But Hazare is confident of making a comeback. "I am not as unwell as people may think. My condition has improved. I will get better soon, please do not worry about my health," he said.

After examining him, the doctors said they have advised Hazare not to fast at least for the next one month.

"We have requested (advised) Anna not to go on any fast for a month. Will be discharged in 5-6 days," Dr Parag Sancheti said.

Suresh Pathare, Hazare's secretary said his condition was 'stable' but had been advised a complete rest by the doctors. 74-year-old Hazare was admitted to the Sancheti Hospital in Pune on saturday night and his health is being monitored by a team of doctors.

"Anna is improving, less swelling; weight is 69.7, which is stable. His chest has bronchitis and will need four more days of antibiotics. He is moving around on his own," Dr Mahendra Kavedi said.

The doctor also said Hazare needs 'complete rest' now and that his aides have been asked not to disturb him.

Arvind Kejriwal will visit Hazare at the hospital in Pune on Monday against the backdrop of doctors advising complete rest for Hazare.

Meanwhile, Hazare's supporters in the capital on Sunday held a prayer meeting at Rajghat for his health and vowed to make Jan Lokpal a reality this year.

"A spiritual start of the year at Rajghat by joining IAC volunteers in prayer for Anna's health and Resolve to make JLPB (Jan Lokpal Bill) happen," Team Anna member Kiran Bedi, who was also present at the prayer meeting, said.

Posted in: Politics