UNION MINISTER NITIN GADKARI COLLAPSES DUE TO HEAT DURING RALLY IN MAHARASHTRA

YAVATMAL: Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari, who is on a whirlwind tour of Vidarbha for second-phase campaigning, collapsed on the dais on Wednesday, while addressing a rally at Pusad in Yavatmal-Washim Lok Sabha constituency due to blistering heat. He soon recovered and attributed the episode to extreme heat exacerbated by a defunct air conditioner in the chopper and low ventilation at the rally venue.

Gadkari was campaigning for Mahayuti candidate Rajashri Patil of Shiv Sena. He touched down in Pusad after electioneering at Chikhli and Buldhana, where the mercury hovered around 38 degrees Celsius. The incident occurred around 4.30pm.

Addressing the rally after recovery, Gadkari said, "The AC of my helicopter was not working. When I reached the crowded venue, the temperature was high and ventilation low due to which I felt uneasy. But I recovered within minutes. I am alright now."

Later, Gadkari posted on social media that he was well and would continue his campaign in Warud.

Eyewitnesses said Gadkari felt dizzy after getting up to address the gathering at Pusad. His security guards rushed to his aid before he collapsed. Medical assistance was swiftly provided, and after a brief rest at a specially arranged green room, Gadkari returned to the dais to conclude his speech.

Earlier, Gadkari fainted at public events, including a convocation in Rahuri (Ahmednagar) in December 2018, at a rally in Rahata (near Shirdi) in April 2019, and at a convocation ceremony in Solapur in August 2019.

Rajashri Patil said she was moved by Gadkari's dedication. "The suffocation and scorching heat took a toll on his health, yet his commitment to the party and people remains unshakeable. Not only did he address the rally immediately after recovering, but also proceeded for a rally in Warud," she said.