Vajpayee Health Causes Concern

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's listless movements during the Independence Day engagements have caused concern in various sections about his health. Vajpayee suffered a series of slips but they were attributed due to cramps suffered during the function at Rajghat.

While no official version is available, BJP sources admit that Vajpayee's physical responses have slowed down since assuming the responsibilities of a Prime Minister. Long pauses between sentences and a resigned countenance have been widely noted, they say.

According to those close to him, there is no cause for alarm because of the slippages during the engagements on August 15. He had slipped because the ground was wet from rain around Mahatma Gandhi's samadhi at Rajghat. This caused cramps in one leg, which did not relax during the engagement at Red Fort. Those responsible for the Prime Minister's security have been reportedly hauled up for not ensuring that a carpet was laid around the samadhi. Insiders say the cramps caused by the slippage had led to partial numbness in his leg, which was apparent when Vajpayee emerged from his vehicle at Red Fort, and also when he stepped back after completing his address to the nation.

There has been some speculation about other health complications, but these have been officially described as baseless. In the mid-eighties, one of his kidneys had been removed, but there has since been no new health problem to warrant prolonged treatment.

Yesterday Vajpayee kept all his appointments, including those related to the issues raised by AIADMK leader Jayalalitha. Among those who called on him was MDMK chief Vaiko. "There is nothing wrong in the transfers of bureaucrats. What threat to the government," the MDMK chief said after the meeting.