Ayodhya saint on fastuntodeath for Ram temple critical

LUCKNOW: Mahant Paramhans Das, a saint who is on fast-untodeath since October 1 demanding construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, was admitted to a hospital here after his condition turned critical on Sunday night.

The Faizabad district administration sent Paramhans Das to the Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow in the early hours of Monday.

SGPGIMS said: “He is currently in post-op ICU and his condition continues to be serious”.

A disciple of Mahant Sarveshwar Das of Tapasvi Ji Ki Chhawni, Paramhans Das sat on fast on the premises of his temple on October 1.

As reports of his deteriorating condition and substantial weight loss reached Lucknow, UP industrial development minister Satish Mahana reached Ayodhya as chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s emissary on Sunday night to persuade him to call off the fast. However, Paramhans Das turned down his request.

A large number of saints present at the spot raised slogans demanding that Ram temple be constructed in Ayodhya.

Mahana talked to Paramhans Das for about 25 minutes and told him that the issue was pending in Supreme Court. Mahana also assured him that the CM would talk to him on Monday.

Mahana met the saint on Sunday night. Now, the saint is in SGPGI. “Doctors at the SGPGI are taking proper case of Paramhans Das,” said Mahana.

Paramhans Das told Mahana that he will end the fast only if the CM assured him of temple construction. “The Modi government should bring an ordinance in the parliament to pave way for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. There should not be any further delay,” said Das.

The head priest of makeshift temple at Ram Janmabhoomi Mahant Satyendra Das has extended support to Paramhans Das.