VHP leader Singhal's condition remains critical

The condition of veteran Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal, admitted to a private hospital here following heart and kidney problems and breathlessness, remains "very critical", doctors said on Sunday.

Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, union ministers Rajnath Singh and Uma Bharti, VHP leader Praveen Togadia and a number of bureaucrats visited the hospital to enquire about Singhal's well-being.

They, however, could not meet Singhal as the 89-year-old leader is on life-support.

"Singhal is being treated for cardiac and nephrological problems. He has also developed problems in breathing," a source told IANS.

"The patient (Singhal) opened his eyes several times during treatment but he is not in a position to speak or respond," a hospital source said.

A doctor treating him said Singhal has not shown any progress in his vital parameters so far.

Singhal, who was re-referred on Friday night to Medanta - The Medicity hospital here in Sector 38, is being kept on life-support systems in the Intensive Care Unit, a doctor at the hospital earlier told IANS on the condition of anonymity.

A team of doctors headed by Dr. Sanjay Mittal, director of Clinical Cardiology and Research at Medanta, is treating Singhal. However, the doctors refused to give an official statement about his health condition.

Singhal was referred to the same hospital around a fortnight back, but he was discharged after he showed signs of improvement. He was again brought back on Friday night as his condition deteriorated.

A statement issued by the VHP on Saturday said: "According to doctors, his condition is critical and he is under constant observation."

BJP president Amit Shah, union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, and BJP general secretary (organisation) Ramlal visited the hospital on Saturday to inquire about Singhal's health.