​

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar hosted a dinner for Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders in Mumbai, in his first meeting with them after a recent spell of illness kept him away from public engagements.

Mumbai, Maharashtra: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray attended a dinner hosted by NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar pic.twitter.com/JsAA8x9HmV

— IANS (@ians_india) March 23, 2026

According to PTI, the dinner meeting, held at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre on Monday night, was attended by key alliance leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) head and former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, his son and MLA Aaditya Thackeray, Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, and former state Congress president Nana Patole.

PTI sources said discussions touched on the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections, with the terms of nine members, including Uddhav Thackeray, set to expire in May.

Earlier this month, MVA nominee Pawar and six candidates of the ruling Mahayuti alliance were elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra.

Last month, the 85-year-old former Union minister was admitted to a hospital in Pune twice following a chest infection and complaints of dehydration.

Sharad Pawar discharged from Ruby Hill Clinic after health scare

After suffering serious health concerns, Sharad Pawar was discharged from Ruby Hall Clinic on February 14.  

Dr Purvez said that, “He will be discharged today. The medical team has advised him to take adequate rest for a few days, following which he may gradually resume his routine work and public engagements.”

The party chief was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune on February 9, due to throat-related problems, persistent coughing, and chest congestion. 

Sharad Pawar’s condition after being admitted to hospital improved significantly within two days. However, he was kept under observation for the next few days, considering his medical history. 

Sharad Pawar was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic on February 9

The initial assessment by the treating doctor, Dr Abhijeet Lodha, showed stable heart rate and oxygen levels, though respiratory rate was slightly elevated when the NCP (SP) was brought to Ruby Hill Clinic on February 9.

Sources said the chief, an oral cancer survivor, had experienced fatigue due to continuous travel and engagements, along with chest congestion. No oxygen support or ventilator was required, and he was admitted to a private room.

Briefing further about Pawar’s improving health, Dr Simon Grant earlier added, “Mr Pawar continues to show consistent improvement under medical supervision. Based on his current progress, the medical team is planning for his discharge in the next two days, subject to continued recovery.”

(With PTI inputs)