MUMBAI: Anna Hazare refused on Tuesday night to end his three-day fast in support of a strong Lokpal despite falling sick and running 102 degrees temperature, his doctor and aides said.

His doctor DG Pote announced from the stage at the MMRDA ground that Hazare, 74, was very weak, his blood pressure had shot up by 30 points to 170/96, and his pulse rate was poor.

"This is the unfortunate reality," the doctor said. "When he fasts, he is always on the stage. This is the first time he is resting in the back."

The doctor said although the fast began only on Tuesday, his failure to eat adequate food the past few days because of cold had added to the problem.

Hazare confidant Arvind Kejriwal said he and his colleagues had been doing their best to persuade Anna to give up the fast.

"He is not agreeing. He refuses to break his fast. No one can have medicines on empty stomach," he said, speaking after the doctor gave his assessment.

PTI adds from New Delhi

Concerned over Anna Hazare's health, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar today appealed to the social activist to end his fast and continue his agitation.

"I appeal to Annaji to end his fast and continue the agitation," Ravi Shankar wrote on microblogging site Twitter.

His appeal came as concerns were raised about Hazare's health.

Hazare, who is suffering from viral infection, began his three-day fast in Mumbai though his close aides appealed to him to stop his fast and continue with his dharna.
source:TOI