The condition of Union Science and Technology Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, admitted to a private hospital here for a liver-related ailment, was "still critical", hospital officials said on Wednesday.

"He is still critical and continues to be under observation," an official at the Global Hospitals, where the 67-year-old Deshmukh is under treatment, told reporters here, but declined to share any further information.

Hospital authorities said Deshmukh's family members have requested that their privacy should be respected and they would themselves convey information through social media, if need be.

A team of doctors of several specialities, including noted liver transplant surgeon Dr Mohamed Rela, is attending on Deshmukh, who is on life support system in the Intensive Care Unit.

The hospital spokesperson had said yesterday that the former Maharashtra Chief Minister was in a stable condition and required to be under observation for two days.

Deshmukh, who underwent brief treatment in a Mumbai hospital, was brought here in a critical condition in an air ambulance on Monday evening.

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