Veteran political figure and NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar was discharged from Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital on Saturday following a noticeable improvement in his medical condition. The senior leader had been admitted to the facility to undergo targeted care for a respiratory and chest infection. Upon being cleared by the attending medical team, he departed for his residence situated in the vicinity of the hospital.
Treatment Timeline Across Pune and Mumbai
The health concerns for the 85-year-old leader began earlier in the week when he was admitted to the Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune on November 2. Medical staff monitored his condition until November 4, when he was temporarily discharged. However, persistent complications prompted his transfer to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai for specialized care. Medical professionals kept him under observation for three consecutive days to ensure complete recovery from the respiratory tract complications before permitting his release on Saturday.
High-Profile Visitors at Breach Candy Hospital
Throughout his three-day hospital stay, numerous prominent figures from politics and industry arrived to inquire about his well-being. On Friday night, senior Congress leaders Sushil Kumar Shinde and Balasaheb Thorat visited him, alongside NCP leader Dilip Walse-Patil. Industrialist Gautam Adani and NCP leader Praful Patel also visited the healthcare facility to check on the veteran politician. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was among the key leaders who arrived to review his progress firsthand.
Speculation Surrounding Political Developments
The steady arrival of political figures coincided with intense discussion regarding a potential reunification between the divided factions of the NCP. Conversations suggested that the faction represented by Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel favored a merger, with the BJP also reportedly open to bringing NCP (SP) under the NDA umbrella. At the same time, reports pointed to opposition toward such a move from Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar. The speculation gained momentum following Praful Patel's visit to Breach Candy Hospital on Thursday evening.
Focus Kept on Health and Personal Cordiality
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde sought to quell rumors by clarifying that the hospital visits were strictly non-political. He noted that Pawar was in good spirits, showing steady recovery, and nearing discharge. Shinde explicitly stated that no political agendas or administrative matters were discussed during the interaction. He also shared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally enquired about Sharad Pawar's health, observing that the Prime Minister consistently distinguishes personal relationships from political rivalries.
