Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Hospitalized for Knee Replacement Surgery
Former Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh, has been admitted to Fortis Hospital in Mohali for a medical procedure. The veteran politician was hospitalized on Monday, February 9, to undergo a scheduled knee replacement surgery.
Medical Procedure and Current Condition
According to medical reports, the knee replacement surgery has been successfully completed. Captain Amarinder Singh is now reported to be in stable condition following the operation. Post-surgery, he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close monitoring and observation as part of standard medical protocol for such procedures.
A report from The Tribune confirmed that the former chief minister is responding well to treatment and his vital signs remain normal. Hospital authorities have indicated that he will remain under medical supervision until doctors are satisfied with his recovery progress.
Political Visits and Social Media Presence
During his hospitalization, Amarinder Singh received a visit from Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij. The meeting between the two political figures was captured in photographs that subsequently circulated on various social media platforms.
The images show Captain Amarinder Singh seated on his hospital bed, engaged in conversation with Minister Anil Vij who stood beside him. The visit highlights the cross-border political relationships that often characterize regional politics in northern India.
Recent Political Commentary and Background
The hospitalization comes amid recent political commentary from Amarinder Singh regarding differences between political parties. In recent statements, the former chief minister contrasted the consultation processes of the Congress party with what he described as a more rigid approach within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
"The decisions are taken at the upper level, even in the Congress, the decisions were taken at the top level, but they used to consult us, everyone – MLAs, MPs' views were taken. Here, I don't think anyone has asked...Congress is more flexible in taking views, the BJP, I find, is a bit rigid in its approach," Amarinder Singh told The Hindu in a recent interview.
He further elaborated, "I am not being consulted by the BJP. I have 60 years of political experience but I cannot force myself on them."
Political Journey and Party Affiliations
Amarinder Singh's political trajectory has seen significant shifts in recent years. Following internal discord within the Punjab Congress, he resigned as chief minister in September 2021. His departure paved the way for Charanjit Singh Channi to assume leadership of the state.
Subsequently, Amarinder Singh left the Congress party and established his own political entity, the Punjab Lok Congress (PLC). This new party eventually merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2022, marking a significant realignment in Punjab's political landscape.
The formal joining occurred in Delhi in the presence of senior BJP leaders. Amarinder Singh announced his decision to join the BJP after meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 12, 2022.
Following the meeting, Amarinder Singh tweeted, "Had a very productive meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah Ji. Discussed various issues pertaining to National security, the rising cases of narco-terrorism in Punjab and the future roadmap for the overall holistic development of Punjab."
As part of this political transition, it was announced that his Punjab Lok Congress would merge with the BJP, a consolidation that was completed shortly thereafter.
The former chief minister's hospitalization comes at a time when he remains an influential figure in Punjab politics despite his recent party transition. His medical recovery will be closely watched by political observers across the region.
