Vilasrao Deshmukh in critical condition, portfolio given to Vayalar Ravi

CHENNAI: Union Science and Technology Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who was admitted to a private hospital here for a liver-related ailment, was in a critical condition and under observation, hospital authorities said tonight.

Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi, meanwhile, was given additional charge of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSME) Ministry which was held by Deshmukh in addition to his Science and Technology portfolio.

The authorities at Global hospital did not release any health bulletin nor there was any offical word on the condition of the 67-year-old Congress leader, who was brought here in an air ambulance from Mumbai last evening,

Hospital sources said the bulletin was not issued in deference to the wishes of Deshmukh's family.

"The minister is on two-day observation. Doctors are attending on him," a source at the Global Hospital said refusing to divulge more details.

Hospital sources have described as "critical" the condition of Deshmukh, who is being treated by noted liver transplant surgeon Dr Mohamed Rela.

A two-time former Maharashtra chief minister, Deshmukh, who underwent a brief treatment in a Mumbai hospital, was rushed here for a possible liver transplant. He is said to have also suffered kidney complications.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said Deshmukh's family members informed him that the condition of Deshmukh was "stable".

Chavan said he spoke to Deshmukh's son and MLA Amit this afternoon to inquire about the veteran Congressman's health.

"I had decided to leave for Chennai to meet him. But, family members said his health is stable and nobody is allowed to meet him. Hence, I dropped my plan after consultations with the family members," Chavan said in Mumbai.