Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was admitted to Jupiter Hospital in Thane after being admitted on Saturday for a mild fever, fatigue and body aches. The Shiv Sena leader was hospitalised as a precautionary measure according to doctors, and is currently being evaluated for regular medical examinations.
Doctors attending to Shinde have said that his condition is stable and that he is being kept under close observation. Hospital sources said there is no immediate cause for concern and that the Deputy Chief Minister is responding well to treatment.
According to preliminary information, Shinde’s health was affected by a very demanding work schedule over the past couple weeks. The senior leader has been involved in government meetings, public events, party programmes and political engagements across Maharashtra, leaving little time for rest.
Shinde began feeling fever, body aches and severe weakness on Friday, sources say, while the Maharashtra Legislature was in session. On medical advice, he cancelled all of his scheduled engagements for Saturday and was treated at the private hospital in Thane for further evaluation and treatment.
Shiv Sena leaders assured party workers and supporters that the Deputy Chief Minister's condition is stable and that his hospitalisation is primarily a precautionary measure to ensure a full recovery.
In recent weeks Shinde has been at the helm of many important political developments in Maharashtra. He has been closely involved in the party’s much-discussed 'Operation Tiger', under which six Members of Parliament from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena movement, and a Mumbai Legislative Council member Sachin Ahir, joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
The Deputy Chief Minister also made several visits to New Delhi for political consultations and organisational activities. The hectic travel schedule and constant public engagements are believed to be factors in his current health problems.
This is not the first time Shinde has been admitted to Jupiter Hospital for health reasons. In December 2024, he was hospitalised at the same facility after a heavy election campaign and a political schedule had led to him having fever, weakness and a throat infection. Party leaders had described the admission as a regular health check-up, and he was discharged when doctors judged that his condition had improved.
Even with his health issue, Shinde is still active in governance. Just last week, he called for strict action against those who were allegedly responsible for the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak in Maharashtra.
Following the alleged leak of the TET examination paper, which led to the postponement of the exam on June 28, Shinde said the masterminds behind the case should be booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
Describing it as “very disturbing,” the Deputy Chief Minister said he would discuss the matter with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and take the strongest possible legal action against those who were responsible.
The incident of the TET examination paper leak is very disturbing. I will discuss in detail with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take action against the masterminds and the accused in this case under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA)."
As of now, party leaders and government officials are confident that the Deputy Chief Minister will recover soon and resume his official duties after he is well enough to go for a medical examination.
