Vajpayee takes first steps to recovery

By Arunkumar Bhatt

MUMBAI, OCT. 13. With the help of physiotherapists and a walker, the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, stood and took several steps today, said his surgeon, Dr. Chittaranjan Ranawat, and Dr. F.E. Udwadia of the Breach Candy hospital here today.

They said in a statement that Mr. Vajpayee was stable, his vital signs were good and he had normal food. The doctors, who removed the Prime Minister's catheter, had a pat for their ``cooperative patient''.

Hospital sources said that the Prime Minister had started taking solid, but light, food - kichadi, curd and vegetables. He is expected to start on his typical North Indian fare only after he is able to move about in the hospital.

The steady recovery of Mr. Vajpayee, who underwent surgery for replacement of his left knee joint last Tuesday, has cheered his fans and followers. The visitors' hall of Breach Candy hospital is full of bouquets. A number of well-wishers have sent him gifts of music cassettes and books. Some have sent him books on learning Marathi and Gujarati.

Bomb hoax

Meanwhile, the Mumbai police have arrested one Ismail Kasim Sheikh in connection with a bomb hoax at the hospital on the day after the operation. Police had received the anonymous telephone call on Wednesday night saying that a bomb was placed at the hospital. Police, after searching every nook and corner of the hospital, found that it was a false alarm. They traced the call to a PCO in the northern suburb of Kandivli and arrested Sheikh.

The tough job of being on security duty at Breach Candy had its own health hazards. Inspector, Mr. T.M. Shrivastava, 42, of the Local Arms Division, suddenly collapsed after long duty hours. He was admitted to the same hospital and was treated for convulsion. Mr. Shrivastava who underwent a CT scan test is now said to be out of danger.

A senior police officer admitted that the work pressure was too heavy on the security staff who were required to be on their toes for over 12 hours, leaving nothing to chance.

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Get-well e-mails

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI, OCT. 13. With the special visitors' gallery opened at the Breach Candy Hospital overflowing with letters and cards for Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, those looking after him have opened a special e- mail account to enable well-wishers to e-mail their feelings.

BJP legislator, Mr. Mangal Prasad Lodha, in whose constituency the hospital is located, said that now one could e- mail a get- well message to: ataljigetwellsoon@yahoo.com. This had become necessary in view of thousands of letters and fax messages the Prime Minister is receiving.

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