Veteran politician Sharad Pawar was admitted to a private hospital in Pune, Maharashtra, on February 9, 2026, following complaints of a persistent cough and breathing difficulties. Doctors have cited chest congestion and mild dehydration as primary reasons for his admission, though his condition is reported as stable.
Background and Timeline
Sharad Pawar, an 85-year-old prominent figure in Indian politics and a current Member of the Rajya Sabha, has experienced a series of health issues leading to his recent hospitalisation.
February 9, 2026: Pawar was brought to a private hospital in Pune from his residence in Baramati. Reports indicate he complained of persistent cough and difficulty in breathing.
Initial Assessment: Doctors conducted preliminary medical examinations. Sources close to the family and party indicated he had been unwell for several days with a cough and signs of chest congestion.
Medical Updates: Later on the same day, Pawar's daughter, Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule, shared an update stating that he had developed chest congestion and would require a five-day course of antibiotics. Doctors confirmed his condition was stable and that he was under continuous medical observation.
Previous Hospitalisation: This admission followed a previous hospitalisation the preceding week, where he was treated for breathing difficulties and a continuous cough. He was discharged from the hospital on the Saturday prior to his February 9 admission.
Discharge: On February 14, 2026, Pawar was discharged from the Pune hospital. He was advised to take three to four days of rest before gradually resuming his public engagements.
Evidence of Condition and Treatment
Multiple sources provide details regarding Sharad Pawar's health status and the medical interventions undertaken.
Reported Symptoms:
Persistent cough
Difficulty in breathing
Chest congestion
Mild dehydration
Medical Findings:
Chest infection
Congestion in the chest
Treatment and Observation:
Under continuous medical observation.
Prescribed a five-day course of antibiotics.
Underwent a series of medical tests.
Did not require oxygen support or a ventilator.
His respiratory rate was reported as slightly elevated.
Vital Signs: His vital parameters were stated to be normal.
Public Interest and Political Context
Sharad Pawar's long and influential political career, spanning both state and national levels, ensures that his health remains a subject of considerable public and media attention.
Political Stature: Pawar has held significant positions, including Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly and Union Defence Minister. He is currently a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Family Updates: Key information about his health has been disseminated by his daughter, Supriya Sule, and other family members, including his grandnephew Rohit Pawar and nephew Shrinivas Pawar.
Public Engagement: Despite feeling unwell, reports indicate he continued to meet people and attend programs in the period leading up to his hospitalisation.
Political Activity: His hospitalisation occurred amidst ongoing political activities, including the announcement of election results in Maharashtra.
Medical Opinions and Statements
Doctors involved in Pawar's care have provided updates on his condition.
"Sharad Pawar’s condition is stable, and he is under continuous medical observation." - Doctors' statement, Pune Pulse
"Sharad Pawar has developed chest congestion and will require a five-day course of antibiotics." - Supriya Sule, via X (as reported by The Times of India and India Today)
"A preliminary medical examination had been conducted. Dr Lodha added that Pawar does not require oxygen support or a ventilator. However, his respiratory rate is slightly elevated." - Dr. Abhijeet Lodha, reported by The Indian Express
"The 85-year-old Rajya Sabha MP was seen leaving the hospital in a wheelchair and waving to supporters and well-wishers gathered outside. Pawar was discharged at noon (about 12:15 pm) and has been advised to take adequate rest for three to four days, after which he may gradually resume his routine work and public engagements." - Hindustan Times report on discharge
Analysis of Reported Events
The hospitalisation of Sharad Pawar highlights several key points regarding his recent health.
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Health Concerns and Diagnosis
Pawar's admission was a direct result of reported respiratory issues. The diagnosis of chest congestion and a chest infection, alongside mild dehydration, provides a clear medical basis for the hospitalisation. The fact that he had been discharged from the same hospital the previous Saturday, only to be readmitted days later, suggests a persistent or recurring ailment.
Transparency and Communication
Updates regarding Pawar's condition have been communicated through official statements and by family members, particularly Supriya Sule. This approach appears designed to keep the public and party workers informed while managing expectations and preventing unnecessary gatherings outside the hospital.
Public and Political Response
The widespread reporting across various news outlets underscores the significant public interest in Pawar's well-being. The fact that party workers were advised against congregating at the hospital indicates a conscious effort to manage the situation and avoid disruption.
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Conclusion and Future Outlook
Sharad Pawar's hospitalisation on February 9, 2026, stemmed from acute respiratory symptoms, specifically chest congestion and difficulty in breathing, attributed also to mild dehydration. While initial reports and subsequent updates from doctors and his daughter, Supriya Sule, confirmed his condition to be stable, the readmission shortly after a previous discharge points to a recurring health challenge. Following a period of treatment, including antibiotics and observation, he was discharged on February 14, 2026, with medical advice for rest. The extent to which his recovery will impact his future political engagements remains an area of observation, given his senior standing and continued involvement in political discourse.
Sources:
Pune Pulse: https://www.mypunepulse.com/sharad-pawar-hospitalised-again-in-pune-as-health-condition-worsens-doctors-say-condition-stable/
Summary: Details the medical statement, current health status, and recent history of hospitalisation, including expected discharge timeline.
ABP Live: https://news.abplive.com/cities/sharad-pawar-admitted-to-hospital-in-pune-1826194
Summary: Reports on Pawar's admission and mentions the public interest in his health due to his political career, with doctors awaiting test results.
The Times of India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ncpsp-chief-sharad-pawar-hospitalised-in-pune-after-health-concerns/articleshow/128108806.cms
Summary: Confirms hospitalisation due to cough and breathing difficulty, noting Supriya Sule's update on chest congestion and antibiotic treatment.
India Today: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nationalist-congress-party-veteran-sharad-pawar-admitted-pune-hospital-throat-related-issues-2865426-2026-02-09
Summary: Focuses on chest congestion and the prescribed antibiotic course, mentioning precautionary admission from Baramati.
Hindustan Times: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/pune-news/sharad-pawar-discharged-from-pune-hospital-advised-rest-for-3-4-days-101771090792978.html
Summary: Reports on Pawar's discharge from the hospital and the advice for rest, including observations of him waving to supporters.
The Indian Express: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/sharad-pawar-unwell-pune-hospital-baramati-10522616/
Summary: Details Pawar being rushed from Baramati, diagnosis of chest infection, and confirmation that he did not require ventilator support.
National Herald India: https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/politics/sharad-pawar-hospitalised-in-pune-with-breathing-difficulty-chest-infection
Summary: Covers his admission with cough and breathing difficulty, reporting doctors' statements on ongoing tests and potential observation period.
Gulf News: https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/senior-indian-politician-sharad-pawar-hospitalised-after-breathing-issues-in-pune-1.500436907
Summary: Mentions persistent coughing since Sunday night, chest congestion, and breathing discomfort, as well as his monitoring of political activities.
NDTV Profit: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/india/sharad-pawar-admitted-to-pune-hospital-after-chest-infection-condition-stable-10977648
Summary: Reports on his admission for chest infection, stable condition, medical tests, and treatment in a general ward. Also notes visits from family members.
