LUCKNOW, June 12: Ramchandra Paramhans, who has led an explosive Hindu campaign to build a temple on the ruins of a razed mosque in the northern Indian town of Ayodhya, suffered a massive heart attack on Thursday, an aide said.

Chota Mishra said the 90-year-old Hindu leader was taken ill in Ayodhya.

After initial treatment at Faizabad, he was shifted to the Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute and hospital in Lucknow.

“The priest suffered a massive heart attack after having his bath and sitting down for prayers,” said Mishra, adding that his condition was “serious”.

Paramhans, who is reported to be close to Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, is credited with launching a campaign in 1937 to reclaim the land.

Mr Advani and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee are reported to have enquired about his health.—AFP