Sharad Pawar, the 83-year-old chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), was discharged from Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Thursday, April 24, after a two-day hospitalisation for health-related concerns. Doctors cleared the veteran politician following a series of medical tests and a mandatory observation period. The party confirmed his discharge through an official press release, assuring supporters that his condition remains stable.

Hospital Stay and Medical Tests

Pawar was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on Tuesday, April 22, after experiencing sudden health issues. During his stay, he underwent multiple diagnostic tests to assess his condition. After two days under medical supervision, doctors advised discharge and recommended rest at his Mumbai residence.

The hospitalisation came at a politically significant moment — just a day after the Baramati by-election on April 21, which holds deep personal and political significance for Pawar, who has contested and voted from the constituency since 1967.

Rohit Pawar and Jitendra Awhad Issue Clarifications

As rumours about the veteran leader's health circulated on social media, his grand-nephew and NCP (SP) legislator Rohit Pawar stepped in to address public concern. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rohit Pawar stated that numerous party workers had reached out in worry, but clarified that Pawar Saheb's health is excellent.

Rohit Pawar further confirmed that he had personally spoken with the senior leader recently regarding party matters, urging supporters not to worry. His statement helped calm anxious cadres across Maharashtra.

Similarly, former minister and NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad posted on X that the condition of Sharadchandra Pawar Saheb is stable. Awhad appealed to well-wishers to pray for Pawar's full recovery and expressed hope that the veteran leader would soon return to active politics in Maharashtra.

Pawar Misses Voting in Baramati for First Time Since 1967

In a rare and historically significant development, Sharad Pawar was unable to cast his vote in the Baramati by-election held on April 21, 2025 — marking the first time in nearly six decades that he missed exercising his franchise in his home bastion. Pawar has voted consistently in Baramati since he contested his debut election in 1967.

Addressing citizens of Baramati from his hospital bed in Mumbai, Pawar expressed deep regret over his absence. He said he had fully planned to travel to Baramati to uphold the tradition but was strictly advised against it by his doctors, who cited the need for immediate treatment and mandatory rest.

Pawar also revealed that he had explored all available alternative voting mechanisms, including postal ballots and digital options offered by the Election Commission of India. However, state election officials informed him that these facilities were not applicable to his situation under the prevailing rules.

Political Significance and Broader Implications

The health scare arrives at a critical juncture for the NCP (Sharad Pawar) faction, which is navigating a complex political landscape in Maharashtra following the party split in 2023. Pawar, widely regarded as one of India's most seasoned political strategists, remains the ideological anchor of his faction.

His absence from the Baramati by-election — even as a voter — underscores the physical toll that age and political battles have taken on the leader. Notably, Baramati has been the epicentre of a fierce rivalry between Sharad Pawar's faction and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, making every development in the constituency politically charged.

Observers note that any prolonged health setback for Sharad Pawar could have significant consequences for the opposition bloc's cohesion in Maharashtra, particularly ahead of upcoming civic and state-level political engagements. His supporters and party workers will closely monitor his recovery in the days ahead.

Road to Recovery

Sharad Pawar is currently resting at his Mumbai residence following his discharge. Both Rohit Pawar and Jitendra Awhad have confirmed that the leader is recuperating well. The party has urged all workers and well-wishers to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information about his health.

As Maharashtra's political calendar remains packed, all eyes will be on when Sharad Pawar resumes active political engagements and what role he plays in shaping the opposition strategy in the state going forward.