Key Points
- Medical Emergency: Sharad Pawar was rushed to a private hospital in Pune after reporting a severe throat infection, high fever, and respiratory discomfort.
- Family Presence: He is currently under the care of specialists, accompanied by his daughter, MP Supriya Sule, and son,in,law Sadanand Sule.
- Physical Strain: The veteran leader has been under significant stress since the fatal air crash of Ajit Pawar on January 28, 2026, managing both family mourning and political restructuring.
- Security Measures: Strict security has been deployed at the Pune hospital where a team of experts is conducting further diagnostic tests.
- Ongoing Transitions: This health scare comes as the family navigates a complex political transition and a CID probe into the Baramati plane crash.
In a development that has caused widespread concern across Maharashtra, NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar was moved from his ‘Govind Bagh’ residence in Baramati to a private medical facility in Pune on Monday afternoon. The 85,year,old leader began showing symptoms of a severe throat infection and high fever earlier in the day, prompting an immediate medical evaluation.
A specialized team of doctors arrived at his residence around 10:30 AM. After a preliminary examination, the medical panel advised that Pawar be shifted to Pune via cardiac ambulance to undergo comprehensive testing and receive specialized treatment. Sources indicate that he has been struggling with a persistent cough and fatigue for several days, which escalated into breathing difficulties on Monday morning.
Exhaustion Amid Personal and Political Turmoil
The decline in the veteran leader’s health follows an exceptionally taxing two,week period. Since the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash late last month, Sharad Pawar has been the central figure coordinating the family’s response and the party’s future.
Between attending state,level meetings and receiving thousands of mourners at his residence, the physical toll on the senior leader has been immense. Party insiders noted that Pawar has been working nearly round,the,clock to maintain stability within the NCP factions, even as the family recently expressed formal doubts regarding the circumstances of the January 28 crash.
Current Status and Political Impact
While the family has not yet released a detailed medical report, preliminary updates suggest that Pawar is currently stable and responding to treatment. He is being monitored by a dedicated team of specialists in Pune who are focused on treating the infection and managing his exhaustion levels.
This health crisis occurs at a critical juncture for the NCP. Just days ago, the family appeared to reach a consensus on backing Sunetra Pawar for a senior leadership role to fill the vacuum left by Ajit Pawar. The temporary absence of Sharad Pawar from active duty may slow these internal negotiations and the ongoing discussions regarding a potential merger of the party’s two factions.
An official medical bulletin from the Pune hospital is expected later this evening. Meanwhile, supporters and political leaders from across the spectrum have been sharing messages of support and wishing the “Maratha Strongman” a speedy recovery.
