Chandigarh/Mohali: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who was admitted to Fortis Hospital in Mohali following health complications earlier this week, is reported to be recovering well. Doctors monitoring his condition have indicated that he may be discharged within the next day or two if progress continues.
Hospital authorities confirmed in a statement that the CM’s health has shown “steady improvement.” Several senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including party in-charge Manish Sisodia, met him at the hospital and expressed confidence that he will resume normal duties shortly.
Political Row Over CM’s Health
Even as reports of his recovery emerged, a political storm brewed over the issue. Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi alleged that the cancellation of an important cabinet meeting on flood relief was not due to Mann’s health but because of “internal disputes” within the ruling party. His remarks, coupled with social media posts speculating on the CM’s health, sparked criticism from AAP leaders.
Baltej Pannu, a senior AAP functionary, hit back without naming Channi directly. In a strongly worded social media post, Pannu said, “Don’t stoop so low for likes and comments that you can’t even face yourself later. If you truly care for Punjab, extend a hand to flood-affected families instead of indulging in cheap publicity.”
He further added that Mann had fallen ill after personally touring several flood-hit regions, underlining that speculation over his health was in poor taste.
Health Declined After Flood Visits
Officials noted that CM Mann’s health started deteriorating after his extensive visits to flood-affected districts. He returned to Chandigarh on September 3 after multiple ground visits but had to cancel his planned tour to Gurdaspur the following day as his condition worsened.
The state government continues to face the challenge of flood rehabilitation, with relief operations ongoing in several districts. Leaders from the ruling party have urged political opponents to rise above “petty politics” and focus on assisting those displaced by the disaster.