NEW DELHI: Maharashtra caretaker chief minister Eknath Shindein his first reaction after falling ill, assured that he is doing well and is currently resting in his native village, Dare Tamb, in Satara after an exhausting election schedule.
Addressing a press meet on Sunday, Shinde said the decision on the next chief minister will be made on Monday, adding, “I have already given my unconditional support to the party leadership and will support their decision.”
Shinde acknowledged the heavy workload during his tenure and attributed his illness to the hectic schedule and said, “I am doing good now. I had come here to rest after the hectic election schedule… I did not take any leave during my 2.5 years as the CM. People are still here to meet me. This is why I fell ill… This government will listen to the people… I have already given my unconditional support to the decision of the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and BJP President, and I will support whatever they decide for Maharashtra.”
Shinde’s health deteriorated on Friday after he cancelled all scheduled meetings and returned to his village. Civil Surgeon Dr Yuvraj Karpe said Shinde was suffering from a respiratory tract infectionfever, and weakness, though his vital parameters remain stable.
“His blood pressure and pulse rate are normal, and tests for dengue and malaria were negative. He was administered antibiotics (Monocef and Beplex saline) for a bacterial infection,” Dr Karpe stated. “The CM’s exertion due to extensive travel and farm work led to his condition. We have advised him to rest for two days. An ambulance and medical team have been stationed at his residence.”
Despite his health concerns, Shinde remains focused on the next steps for the Mahayuti government. Sanjay Shirsat, a Shiv Sena leader, revealed on Saturday that Shinde is expected to take a significant political decision within the next 24 hours, keeping the suspense over the next CM alive.
Shinde’s health news follows his meeting with union home minister Amit Shah, BJP chief JP Nadda, deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar in New Delhi on Thursday. After the meeting, speculation arose over whether Shinde was disappointed with the developments. Former Shiv Sena minister Deepak Kesarkar visited Dare Tamb on Saturday but returned without meeting Shinde due to his condition.
