P.V. Narasimha Rao

NEW DELHI: Former prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao was reported to be in a serious condition after he was hospitalized with chest pain on Dec. 10. “There is some improvement (in his condition) but he continues to be critical,” Defense Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Rao, 83, who was prime minister from 1991-96, was rushed to AIIMS here following uneasiness and chest pain.

A member of Rao’s household here told Indo-Asian News Service that he was in the Intensive Care Unit “and his condition is stable.”

“But reports that he is dead are wrong,” he said. An AIIMS spokesman added: “His condition is serious.” Hospital officials said a thorough examination was conducted on Rao and he would be kept under 24-hour surveillance.