Anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare, who returned to his village Ralegan Siddhi on Thursday afternoon after breaking his two-day fast in Mumbai on Wednesday, was adamant till the very end and was not happy about discontinuing the three-day fast, his doctor said.
Speaking to The Hindu in the evening, Dr. Daulat Pote stated that Mr. Hazare was still suffering from weakness owing to a viral infection and had been advised rest for at least four days. Mr. Hazare had 98.5 degrees F fever, Dr. Pote said. He stated that Mr. Hazare's condition was due to “stress, strain and exertion,” along with the unfavourable weather.
Though it was Dr. Pote, who had given the go ahead for the fast on Monday morning, he revealed that he had advised Mr. Hazare to reconsider his decision before he left for Mumbai to undertake the fast.
“His condition was not looking good on Sunday, two days before the fast was scheduled. But he is known for his adamant nature. He was determined to go ahead with it as he had promised,” Dr. Pote said.
When the condition was getting worse on Wednesday afternoon, and Mr. Hazare could not sit up for very long, he was requested to give up the fast. “Finally, after everyone, including Arvind Kejriwal, convinced him, he agreed,” Dr. Pote said.
Advised a week's rest
Dr. Pote stated that given Mr. Hazare's health, he would not have been able to travel to Delhi and continue with his ‘jail bharo andolan,' even if he had given up the fast.
“He requires a strict rest for a week at least. I have told him not to talk to anyone too,” he said. Mr. Hazare had threatened to stage a dharna in front of Congress president Sonia Gandhi's house.
