Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari fainted during a function in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar on Friday. The 61-year-old, who suffers from diabetes, later took to Twitter to assure people that he is fine.
The incident took place when he was standing with other dignitaries for the National Anthem during the convocation function of the Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV) Agricultural University in Ahmednagar.
A video doing the rounds on Twitter shows Gadkari feeling uneasy, losing his balance and then collapsing on the dais. Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, who was standing next to him, and some others rushed to his side to prevent him from falling.
#NitinGadkari Faints on Stage at University Convocation in Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/JxEYt7xBFZ
— NewsMo (@NewsMoOfficial) December 7, 2018
He was then taken to a government guest house and examined by a team of medicos. After some taking some rest, Gadkari left for the Shirdi Sai Baba temple. Gadkari's condition was stated as "stable" by his Bharatiya Janata Party colleagues.
Gadkari, who is also the Union Minister for Shipping and Water Resources and the Union Minister of River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, later took to Twitter to state that he had collapsed due to low sugar levels and that now he is doing fine.
"Had slight medical condition due to low sugar. I have been attended by doctors and I am doing well now. I thank all of you for all the well wishes," he tweeted.
Had slight medical condition due to low sugar. I have been attended by doctors and i am doing well now. I thank all of you for all the well wishes.
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) December 7, 2018
Several political leaders took to Twitter expressing concern and wishing him good health.
“Heard Shri @nitin_gadkari ji is not well. Praying for his quick recovery and good health. Get well soon,” incumbent Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje tweeted.
“Sometimes hard work takes a toll on health! @nitin_gadkari ji please take care. I wish you a very good health!!” tweeted Sharad Pawar.
After a short rest at the guest house, Gadkari took a helicopter ride to Shirdi to pray at the Sai Baba temple and later took a private flight to his hometown Nagpur.
Party colleagues told IANS his gruelling daily schedules may have taken a toll on his health which resulted in his collapse.