Sharad Pawar back in hospital, now at Breach Candy in Mumbai; doctors say condition stable

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, shortly after he was let out of a hospital in Pune. He was taken in at night, and doctors treating him describe his condition as stable.

His daughter and NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule announced the move on X. "We are admitting Baba to Breach Candy Hospital for further tests. Thank you all for your concern and good wishes," she wrote. Her post did not say which tests were planned.

Dr Prateet Samdani of Breach Candy Hospital said Pawar had been brought in with a cough. He has a chest infection and difficulty with coughing, and the cough is being treated. A team of doctors is watching him round the clock. Dr Samdani added that Pawar is likely to go home soon, once the tests and the necessary treatment are done.

The trouble began while Pawar was touring parts of Maharashtra to assess drought conditions. He developed a cough, had a mild infection and felt tired. He was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune on November 2, where he stayed for about two days. Reports from that time said he had complained of chest pain while coughing and breathing, and doctors kept him under observation as a precaution.

Dr Parvez K. Grant, chief cardiologist, chairman and managing trustee of Ruby Hall Clinic, issued an official statement on the discharge. It said Pawar's condition had improved, he was stable when he left, and his medical reports were satisfactory. Doctors advised him to rest for a few days before returning to public events. He then travelled to Mumbai, where his health is reported to have dipped again and he was admitted a second time.

All of Pawar's scheduled tours, including the drought visit that had been fixed earlier, have been cancelled because of his health.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned Pawar to ask after him. Vitthal Maniyar, a family friend and close associate of Pawar, confirmed the call to reporters outside the hospital. He said Modi urged Pawar, warmly, to put his health first and take complete rest. According to Maniyar, the Prime Minister told Pawar, "Supriya and we will look after the country. Take care of your health and rest. May your blessings remain with us." Pawar thanked Modi and said he was resting. He said, "With all of you around, I have no worry about the country."

Party leader and MLA Rohit Pawar told the media that Sharad Pawar's health is good. He said the Pune visit was a routine check-up, since Pawar has to be examined every four to five months and there is a chance of viral infection while travelling. Rohit Pawar added that Supriya Sule and the family felt the tests should be repeated once he reached Mumbai, which is why he was taken to Breach Candy.