The condition of veteran Marxist leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet [Images], who was admitted to a hospital in Noida with an acute respiratory problem, remained critical on Friday.

Ninety-two-year-old Surjeet, who was admitted to Metro Hospital, is on ventilator and his condition was described as "critical but stable."

Doctors attending to the Marxist veteran said he was in a serious condition due to respiratory problems.

"He is under intensive care and his condition is stable. His heart beat is normal," they said.

Due to his failing health, Surjeet was, for the first time, not included in the Communist Party of India-Marxist politburo at the party's 19th congress in April 2008.

He was instead designated as special invitee to the central committee.