Sharad Pawar leaves Pune hospital for Mumbai after two days; Modi phones to ask after him

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar, a former Union minister, was let out of Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune on Wednesday, November 4, after two days of treatment. He left for Mumbai the same day. Medical sources said he is now completely well, while the hospital's doctors have asked him to rest.

Pawar had been touring drought-hit areas when the weather turned, with heat followed by a sudden spell of rain. He felt tired and weak. Reports differ on the exact complaint: some say he developed a cough, others that phlegm had collected in his chest. His health worsened two days ago and he was taken to Ruby Hall at once. Treatment began immediately and a number of tests were done. His drought inspection tour was cancelled, and every other programme on his schedule was called off. Once his condition stabilised, he was discharged.

Pawar was brought out of the hospital in a wheelchair. Party workers and office-bearers had gathered outside, and he raised his hand to them. Photographs of the moment have since gone viral. He then got into a car. His wife Pratibha Pawar and MP Supriya Sule were with him, and Sule had come to the hospital to take him home. Before they left, Sule folded her hands and thanked the doctors and the entire staff.

There had been talk that Pawar would head to his home in Baramati. He went to Mumbai instead, straight to his residence, Silver Oak. Doctors have asked him to rest there for eight days. Sources said he will resume his assessment of the drought after Diwali.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned Pawar to ask after his health. Vitthal Maniyar, a close associate of Pawar, described the call to the media. He said many people had phoned, but the call that mattered was Modi's, made with concern and warmth. According to Maniyar, one account of Modi's words is: "Sharadrao, take care of your health. Supriya Sule is there to look after the country, and we will work with her. You rest and keep giving us guidance, keep showing us the way. It is necessary that you take care and keep a little distance from these matters. Our wish is that you stay in good health, that we keep getting your advice, and that you remain fit." Maniyar also quoted Modi as saying: "You have worked for the country all this time. Supriya didi is also doing good work. Now you rest. Supriya didi and we will look after the country. Take care of your health, and stay fit so that you can bless us."

Pawar, Maniyar said, answered: "I am taking care of my health. Since all of you are there, I have no worry. I will look after my health."

Political meanings are being read into Modi's remarks, and talk has begun over whether Pawar will go with the NDA in the coming days.

Maniyar said the doctors have also told Pawar to travel less and put some limits on his tours. Diet is the second concern. Pawar is not very careful about what he eats and drinks and has to be reminded again and again, Maniyar said. After the operation, "Saheb" was put on a liquid diet, which becomes tedious because it is the same every day. That is now changing a little, and Pawar is eating roti and similar food with milk, which should gradually reduce his weakness.