L.K. Advani, 98, discharged from Apollo Hospital after chest infection
Synopsis
At 98, L.K. Advani has been discharged from Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi after a chest infection — his third hospitalisation in under two years. The BJP patriarch's health has become a recurring point of national attention, with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda personally visiting him this time.
Key Takeaways
Advani , aged 98 , was discharged from Indraprastha Apollo Hospital , New Delhi , on 19 October 2026 .
He was admitted on 16 October with a chest infection and treated under Dr Vinit Suri , Senior Consultant – Neurology.
Union Health Minister J.P.
Nadda visited Advani at the hospital on Saturday.
Previous hospitalisations include May 2026 (age-related complications) and December 2024 (ICU admission).
Advani served as Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004 and was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024 .
Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani, aged 98, has been discharged from Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi on Monday, 19 October, after showing improvement in his medical condition, the hospital confirmed in an official statement.
What the Hospital Said
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital stated: 'Mr L.K. Advani, who was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on 16th October with a chest infection, is being discharged today. He has been under the care of Dr Vinit Suri, Senior Consultant – Neurology and has shown improvement in his medical status.' Advani was initially brought in at around 7.30 pm on 16 October and admitted to the hospital's pulmonary department.
Recent Hospitalisation History
This is not Advani's first hospital stay in recent times. He was previously admitted to Apollo Hospital in May 2026 due to age-related health complications, remaining under medical supervision for a few days before being discharged. Earlier, in December 2024, he was placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the same hospital for medical management and investigations, where he was treated under a neurologist and his condition was reported as stable.
Senior Leaders Take Note
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda visited Advani at the hospital on Saturday to enquire about his health — underscoring the political significance of the veteran leader's wellbeing within the BJP. The visit reflects the continued regard senior party functionaries hold for Advani, who shaped the BJP's trajectory over decades.
Advani's Legacy and Political Career
Born on 8 November 1927 in Karachi (present-day Pakistan), Advani is one of the BJP's most consequential figures. He served as Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004 under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and held the Home Affairs portfolio during his political career. His nationwide Ram Rath Yatra in 1990 is widely regarded as a turning point in Indian politics, significantly expanding the BJP's electoral reach. He served as BJP President on multiple occasions and played a central role in transforming the party from a marginal force into a dominant national political organisation. In recognition of his contributions, Advani was conferred the Bharat Ratna — India's highest civilian honour — in 2024, having earlier received the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.
With his discharge confirmed, Advani is expected to continue recovery at home under ongoing medical supervision.
Point of View
Not policy debates. India's political memory would benefit from a more honest accounting of what Advani built, what he conceded, and what his arc reveals about how power consolidates within parties over time.
NationPress
19 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was L.K. Advani hospitalised in October 2026?
L.K. Advani was admitted to Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi on 16 October 2026 with a chest infection and treated under Dr Vinit Suri, Senior Consultant – Neurology. He was discharged on 19 October after showing improvement in his medical condition.
How many times has Advani been hospitalised recently?
This was at least the third notable hospitalisation in under two years. He was admitted to Apollo Hospital in May 2026 for age-related complications and was placed in the ICU in December 2024 for medical management and investigations.
Who visited Advani during his hospital stay?
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda visited Advani at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital on Saturday to enquire about his health, reflecting the senior leadership's concern for the veteran BJP figure.
What is L.K. Advani known for in Indian politics?
L.K. Advani is one of the BJP's most prominent founding figures, known for serving as Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004, holding the Home Affairs portfolio, and leading the Ram Rath Yatra in 1990, which is widely seen as a turning point in Indian politics. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024.
How old is L.K. Advani?
L.K. Advani was born on 8 November 1927 in Karachi (present-day Pakistan), making him 98 years old at the time of this hospitalisation.
