Eknath Shinde Admitted To Thane Hospital Amid Talks Over Maharashtra Govt Formation, CM Choice

Shinde’s recent health reports indicate a drop in his WBC count.

Eknath Shinde has been rushed to Jupiter Hospital in Thane

Source : PTI

Caretaker Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has been rushed to Jupiter Hospital in Thane following concerns over his deteriorating health condition. Shinde’s recent health reports indicate a drop in his WBC count. However, initial tests for dengue and malaria have returned negative. Medical experts are conducting a detailed evaluation to determine the underlying cause of his condition.

"I am fine, do not worry," Shinde told reporters as he was driven to Jupiter Hospital.

Shinde, whose party is a constituent of the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition, has been unwell for the last few days, and staying at his private residence in Thane. His decision to head to his village Dare in Satara district last Friday had sparked speculation that he was unhappy over the way the new Mahayuti government was shaping up.

Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant said it was a "routine check-up", and Shinde would return to his official residence `Varsha' in Mumbai afterwards. "He has had a throat infection, weakness and fever. He would be undergoing a blood test," Samant added.

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It has been over 10 days since the Mahayuti alliance's historic victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, but the Chief Minister's name has not been officially declared. While the swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for December 5, clarity on the CM's name is still awaited with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis the front-runner for the top post.  

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, a central observer for the BJP, once again hinted at the BJP taking the CM's chair. 

"BJP is the largest party, so I think there is a possibility of BJP getting the CM's post this time. Eknath Shinde had also said that BJP will have the CM's chair," Rupani said.  

A crucial meeting to finalise the CM will be held in Mumbai on December 4, involving Rupani, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and other senior leaders.