Nationalist Congress Party (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar was rushed to a private hospital in Pune on Monday afternoon following health complications. The veteran leader, who was at his residence in Baramati, reportedly complained of a persistent cough and physical weakness before being shifted to the Ruby Hall Clinic for a comprehensive medical evaluation.
The 85-year-old veteran politician was accompanied by his wife, Pratibha Pawar, his daughter and Baramati Member of Parliament, Supriya Sule, and other close family aides. The decision to move him to Pune was taken after his symptoms persisted despite initial rest.
According to party spokesperson Ankush Kakade, there is no immediate cause for alarm. He clarified that the visit is primarily for a routine health check-up necessitated by a lingering cough that has affected the leader over the past few days. “He is being brought to Pune for better medical monitoring. There is nothing to worry about,” Kakade told the media.
Medical Assessment at Ruby Hall Clinic
Dr. P. K. Grant, Managing Trustee of Ruby Hall Clinic, confirmed that the hospital had received a prior intimation regarding the leader’s arrival. A specialized team of doctors has been assigned to monitor the Sharad Pawar health updates and conduct necessary diagnostic tests, including chest X-rays and blood work, to rule out any underlying infections.
The medical team is expected to release an official bulletin later tonight. Sources within the hospital suggest that while Pawar is stable, the exhaustion from recent personal and political engagements might have contributed to his current state of health.
Personal Tragedy and Emotional Toll
The health setback comes at a time of deep personal grief for the Pawar family. The veteran leader has been stationed in Baramati for the last few days following the tragic demise of his nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash on January 28.
Despite his own failing health, the senior Pawar has been the emotional pillar for the family. He has been meeting visitors and mourners at Sahyog Society in Baramati, offering strength to Ajit Pawar’s grieving family. Observers noted that the octogenarian had been working tirelessly to manage the family crisis while maintaining his public duties.
Strategic Meetings Amidst Grief
Even while feeling “unwell and weak,” as described by party insiders, Sharad Pawar did not halt his commitment to his late nephew’s legacy. He recently held two significant meetings with Parth and Jay Pawar, the sons of Ajit Pawar.
The discussions reportedly focused on the establishment of a grand memorial in honor of Ajit Pawar. The proposed site for this memorial is the Vidya Pratishthan campus in Baramati, an educational trust closely associated with the Pawar family. This grueling schedule, combined with the emotional weight of the tragedy, is believed to have taken a toll on his physical well-being.
Political Reactions and Well-Wishes
As news of his hospitalization spread, political leaders across the spectrum in Maharashtra expressed their concern. Supporters have started gathering outside the hospital, prompting the local administration to increase security measures around the Ruby Hall Clinic premises.
The NCP (SP) has requested party workers to remain calm and not believe in rumors. The party reiterated that the hospitalization is a precautionary measure to ensure the veteran leader recovers fully from his respiratory discomfort before resuming his public schedule.
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