In what came as a setback to the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Corporation (BMC) polls, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s chief spokesperson and MP Sanjay Raut said here on Friday that he was facing “serious health issues” and would be away from the public at least for the next couple of months.
Sharing details of ill-health in a post on “X” after he was condition worsened, leading to his admission to a city hospital, 63-year-old Raut –a close aide of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, said: “You have always shown love and faith in me, but suddenly my health has worsened. I am undergoing treatment”.
Raut was admitted to Fortis Hospital at Mulund in north-east Mumbai after he was feeling uneasy a few days ago. He had undergone medical tests earlier, but his condition worsened unexpectedly.
The doctors attending on him have advised him to avoid travelling and to stay away from crowded places for the time being.
Expressing optimism about his early recovery, Raut said, “I am confident that I will regain my health soon and meet you all in the New Year. Your love and blessings mean a lot to me.”
Raut said that following medical advice, he had decided to stay away from all public and political events for the next two months.
Raut is a four-time Rajya Sabha member and Executive Editor of the Shiv Sena’s official mouth-piece Saamana. As the chief spokesperson of the Shiv Sena (UBT), which is one of the constituents of the Opposition MVA, Raut has been one of the influential politicians in the state as well as the country. He was one of the key persons behind the formation of the MVA in the state in October-November 2019.
Raut’s hospitalisation will have a major bearing on the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s preparations for the high-stakes BMC polls to be held in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, wishing Raut a speedy recovery, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on “X”: “Praying for your speedy recovery and good health, Sanjay Raut Ji”.