Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was admitted to a hospital in Mohali early Thursday morning for what officials are calling routine medical tests. This development comes just days after unverified reports circulated claiming Mann had been hospitalized in Delhi after falling ill upon his arrival at Chandigarh airport.
Authorities have assured the public that Mann is in stable condition and undergoing standard tests. A spokesperson quoted by the Indian Express stated, “He got admitted in the morning as he wants to get some tests done. Otherwise there is no health issue. These are routine tests and for some tests, admission is required. There is nothing else to read into it.”
This update comes just hours after the Chief Minister met with a delegation of 1158 assistant professors and librarians in the midst of a recruitment controversy. An official press release stated that the group had met with Mann to express their gratitude following a High Court verdict.
News of Mann’s hospitalization prompted a social media post from Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, wishing the Chief Minister a speedy recovery. This message comes just days after Majithia claimed Mann had been admitted to a private hospital in Delhi, a claim that was vehemently denied by Mann’s aides. Majithia tweeted, “CM Bhagwant Mann has been admitted in Fortis Hospital, Mohali last night in emergency condition. Hope he is fine. Praying for his wellbeing. Get well soon CM SAAB.”
Earlier this week, Mann’s government inducted five first-time MLAs as ministers in a Cabinet revamp. Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Barinder Kumar Goyal, Ravjot Singh, Hardeep Singh Mundian, and Mohinder Bhagat took oath at Raj Bhavan as the CM shuffled several portfolios. Mann relinquished three of his own portfolios— jail, industry and commerce, and housing and urban development— during the revamp. He now leads eight ministries, including Home Affairs & Justice, Legal & Legislative Affairs, and Sports & Youth Services.
