Fasting Hazare suffers high blood pressure, weight loss

Septuagenarian social activist Anna Hazare has lost a kilogramme of weight since he launched his fast-unto-death against corruption three days ago, said a close associate today.

Septuagenarian social activist Anna Hazare has lost a kilogramme of weight since he launched his fast-unto-death against corruption three days ago, said a close associate on Thursday.

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"Doctors check him twice a day, in the morning and evening. He had high blood pressure in the morning and was given medicine. He has also lost one kilogram weight," the associate, who did not want to be named, told IANS.

"The doctors came to check him in the evening and he was doing all right," she added.

Hazare, 72, had his last meal on the night of April 4 and has been surviving on water since then, added the activist.

The fasting Gandhian said in the afternoon that the singing of religious and patriotic songs calmed his nerves and brought down his blood pressure.

"I get very inspired after listening to these songs," Hazare told reporters in New Delhi.

"However, till the time the Jan Lokpal Bill is passed, I will not get permanent relief," he added.

Sitting on a dias under a marquee at Jantar Mantar, in the heart of Delhi, Hazare interacts with thousands of milling supporters.

Four table fans around the dias provide some comfort from the summer heat.

Hazare launched his indefinite fast on Tuesday morning to demand a meatier anti-corruption Lokpal Bill.