Anna's health worsens, refuses hospitalization

Disregarding doctor's advice to be put on Intravenous (IV) drip, fasting Anna Hazare on Tuesday refused to take any medicine and warned government against trying to forcibly evict him from the protest site of Ramlila Maidan.

Hazare, who appeared before thousands of his supporters late tonight, said the team of doctors headed by Naresh Trehan had said in the afternoon that he had some problems in his kidney and that he should take some medicine.

Trehan advised Hazare to get hospitalised but the Gandhian, who has been fasting for more than a week, refused to do so.

"The entire team has examined Anna Hazare. There are changes in his vital signs. We told him that he needs hospitalisation. But he refused saying I want to be here with the people and asked for intravenous drips to be put on him here only," Trehan said.

Hours later, Hazare told his supporters: "I told him then that I would decide by 10pm after listening to my conscience. My conscience asked me why are you afraid of dying. You had earlier said that you are not afraid of dying, then why are you scared of dying now."

"I have decided not to take any medicine. I would ask Dr Trehan and others not to mistake me in this regard.

Please do not mistake me for (not taking the medicine)," he said.

He also warned the government against trying to remove him forcibly from the protest site.

"If someone from government comes here to evict me forcibly you people should go and block the gate. But you should be peaceful," the frail-looking Hazare told the cheering crowd.

Noting that doctors are worried about his health, Hazare said: "If something happens to me, the government will understand... Even if my kidney fails, there are many people here who will give theirs. If one Anna dies, thousands of Annas' who will rise."

"I have given my heart and I am ready to give my life also," he said.

Trehan also said the team will once again review the condition of 74-year-old Hazare, whose glucose level is declining, tomorrow morning after which a medical bulletin will be issued.

Hazare has lost 5.6 kg since he began his fast on August 16, his close associate Manish Sisodia told reporters here in the morning.

Traces of ketone were also found in his blood. In the evening, he had said Hazare's health is fine and there was no need to worry.

Earlier, doctors had advised Hazare not to venture into the sun as it could have a negative impact on his health. 

Pray for Anna Hazare's health, tweets Kiran Bedi

Anna Hazare's health was "reaching a difficult stage", his associate Kiran Bedi tweeted on Tuesday evening. "Pray for Anna's health. He is reaching a difficult stage. Dr Trehan is on his way," Bedi tweeted. Tuesday was day eight of nna Hazare's fast against the government's Lokpal Bill. "While talks will be on we are very concerned of Anna's health. Pray pl(ease)," Bedi said. The government on Tuesday invited the protesting activists for talks. Hazare's health condition was said to be fine by doctors Tuesday morning. He has lost 5.5 kg. Ketone particles (created by the body during starvation) have been found in his blood but were said to be in the safe limit.