Presence of a doctor with Sharad Pawar fuels rumours on his health

MUMBAI: Rumours were rife in Mumbai and all over Maharashtra on Thursday that Union agriculture minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar was critically ill. However, sources in NCP clarified that Pawar, who was diagnosed with low levels of blood sugar four days ago, is now recovering from this illness and was spending his holiday with his family members at Coorg in Karnataka. NCP Chief Spokesperson in Maharashtra, Nawab Malik, said, “Pawar was scheduled to attend an event with Mulayam Singh Yadav at Sangali in southern Maharashtra on Sunday.

However, he cancelled going there at the last moment because of uneasiness. It was discovered that his blood sugar was low, so he f lew to Pune and took rest for two days. On Wednesday, he left for Coorg in Karnataka where he was scheduled to spend three days with his family. He will fly directly to Delhi from Bengaluru.”

What surprised many in Mumbai was the presence of Dr Ravi Bapat with Pawar family at Coorg. Bapat is Sharad Pawar’s childhood friend and also his physician. NCP sources said Bapat decided to go to Coorg with Pawar as his blood sugar was low and it was anticipated that he would require some medical assistance. However, sources close to family refused to disclose whether Bapat’s presence during the three day holiday was pre-planned or not.

Sources close to the family said Sharad Pawar was accompanied in Coorg with his wife Pratibha, daughter Supriya, his grandchildren and close friend Vithal Maniyar. On Thursday, Pawar visited some coffee plantations in the area and then spent time relaxing.

NCP statement said Pawar’s health was fine and rumours about his illness were totally false.