LK Advani, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's comrade-in-arms has just arrived at the All India Institute of Medical Science. Vajpayee's health has worsened over the last 24 hours and said to be extremely critical. While an AIIMS bulletin on Vajpayee's health is expected shortly, the bulletin last evening said the former PM is in a critical condition and is on life support. Vajpayee was admitted to AIIMS on June 11 after complaints of urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.


Vajpayee's niece Kanti Mishra said she has been praying to god for his recovery. "Just once I want to see him give a speech again. Our family can never ever erase that image of his from our minds. I hope he gets well soon," she said.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to AIIMS to visit the former PM, followed up by visits from Union Minister for Textile Smriti Irani, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, MP Meenakshi Lekhi, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, JP Nadda, BJP president Amit Shah and a host of BJP VVIPs. Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee to visit shortly.  Massive security cordon outside the AIIMS.


Vajpayee is a diabetic, and has only one functional kidney. He had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia.


Image: Atal Bihari Vajpayee's niece Kanti Mishra.