In a move that has triggered controversy, the Andhra government on Sunday ordered a 'probe' into the condition of fasting opposition leader Y S Jaganmohan Reddy in Guntur.
State health minister Kamineni Srinivas rushed to Guntur and directed doctors at the government general hospital (GGH) to closely monitor Jagan whose fast entered the fifth day yesterday.
According to a report in the Times of India, the minister expressed doubt if Jagan was actually fasting and cited medical reports which mentioned that his sugar level went up to 83 after it had dipped to 59 in the morning. "Normally sugar level will not go up while a person is on fast. Either the first report was wrong or there is at least some intake," the minister said.
However, he was quick to add that the TDP had no intention to foil the 'indefinite fast' as they also wanted special category status for the state.
The rise in sugar levels was heavily criticized by TDP leaders, who raised questions and asked if the YSR Congress chief was really on a fast.
Following this, YSRCP leaders brought new equipment and found that the sugar level stood at 77. They also went to the Guntur Government Hospital (GGH) and criticized the doctors for using old equipment that showed wrong results.
Medical officers from GGH have been monitoring the YSRCP chief and have advised him to break the fast since dehydration would have an adverse impact on the functioning of his kidneys.
However, Jagan has decided to continue his fast, despite a visit from senior party members who claimed that the party's goal of creating awareness about a 'special status' for the state was achieved.