Asia-Pacific

Fasting Indian yoga guru's condition deteriorates

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-06-10 17:50

India's yoga guru Baba Ramdev, lying on stage, gets a medical check-up during his fast against corruption in the northern Indian town of Haridwar June 10, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

NEW DELHI - A charismatic Indian yoga guru has continued his hunger strike for a seventh day despite doctors advising hospitalization because of loss of weight and dehydration.

Yogesh Chandra Sharma, a senior doctor, said Friday that Baba Ramdev has lost 12 pounds (5.5 kilograms) since he started fasting. He also says Ramdev was suffering from low blood pressure and low pulse rate.

Ramdev's protest campaign is part of a public push to demand government accountability after a series of corruption scandals such as improper telecoms licensing, illegal land acquisitions and irregularities in staging last year's Commonwealth Games.

Ramdev has agreed to take lime water and honey, but refuses to end his hunger strike in his north Indian ashram in Haridwar.