Shinde meets Sharad Pawar in Breach Candy Hospital, says doctors expect discharge tomorrow

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Sharad Pawar at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai today. After the meeting, he spoke to the media about Pawar's health.

This is the second time Pawar has been hospitalised. A few days ago he was admitted to Ruby Hospital in Pune for treatment. He is now admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. Leaders from across the state have been visiting him since he was admitted.

Shinde said, "I have just met Sharad Pawar in hospital. I conveyed Diwali greetings to him. Supriya tai was also present there. I also spoke to the doctors. Pawar saheb's health is now excellent. He will also be discharged tomorrow. There is no need to worry. The doctors have also said that he will be discharged tomorrow."

Shinde also said, "This was not a political meeting. When a senior leader of Maharashtra is in hospital, there is no political motive behind visiting him. Some relationships go beyond politics. My relationship with Pawar saheb is not limited to politics. I spoke with Pawar saheb. If he has any question, he calls me at any time; we have family ties."

Shinde said, "This time Sharad Pawar also discussed the drought. He appeared deeply concerned about it. He also asked me about the drought situation in Satara. He asked me about the water situation as well. He contracted the infection while touring drought-hit areas. His health is now excellent."

Several leaders had visited Sharad Pawar earlier. Praful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal of the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party also met Pawar at the hospital. Following these meetings, talk of a merger of the NCP factions has started again.