Despite their ailments, Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, BJP president Nitin Gadkari and NCP chief Sharad Pawar are set to unleash a powerful campaign for the February 16 civic polls.
Impressed with their improving health, doctors gave them the nod to hit the campaign trail and address rallies even before their names were listed as star campaigners with the election commission.
Thackeray, who is on medication for lung and heart ailments, is raring to go. “Balasaheb is fit and can even go out. He is absolutely fine. The Sena chief is on minimal medication. He is very health cautious and looks after his diet — he has breakfast, lunch and dinner on time,” said chest physician Dr Jalil Parkar. Since Thackeray was discharged from Lilavati hospital after being treated for a respiratory problem, Dr Parkar has been visiting Matoshri for more than three years and keeping a close watch on Thackeray’s health.
Pawar suffered from oral cancer in 2004 and underwent an hour-long surgery to remove a mouth infection in 2010. Dr Sultan Pradhan, who has been treating Pawar, said the NCP chief takes very good care of his health. “Sharad Pawar is a very seasoned politician. He knows how to maintain his diet and health during election campaigns and rallies. He has simple eating habits. He is absolutely fit and fine. Whenever he comes for a routine check-up, we chat about his health,” said Dr Pradhan, oncosurgeon at Breach Candy hospital.
Unlike Thackeray and Pawar, Gadkari has weight issues. He underwent bariatric surgery at Saifee hospital in September 2011. The weight-loss surgery is recommended for obese people with other health complications such as diabetes.
Dr Muffazal Lakdawala who conducted the surgery says a patient must control his diet after such an operation.
“I inquired about Gadkari’s health three days ago. He is completely off insulin and does not need to take medication for diabetes anymore. There are some restrictions on his diet, but that is not a problem,” said Dr Lakdawala, bariatric surgeon at Saifee hospital. Given their stature, sceptics say it was impossible for doctors to deny them permission to campaign. However, doctors said that is not true. “Only if a patient suffers from a serious disease, the doctors tell him not to step out of home as he may contract an infection,” a doctor said.
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