Maharashtra's Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Chhagan Bhujbal, made his first public appearance in Nashik on Saturday following a significant health break. The senior politician had undergone heart surgery two months prior and had been advised complete rest by his doctors.
A Symbolic Return to Public Life
This brief visit to Nashik city marked a cautious return to public engagements for the minister. His first stop after his period of convalescence was not a political rally, but a tribute to pioneering social reformers. Bhujbal first travelled to Naigaon in Satara district to attend a function celebrating the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule. Following this, he proceeded to Nashik.
Paying Homage at Mumbai Naka Memorial
In Nashik, the minister's visit was focused on the memorial at Mumbai Naka, where statues of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule stand. He paid floral tributes to the iconic couple, who played a monumental role in social reform and education in India. Bhujbal also took the opportunity to interact briefly with the people gathered at the site.
Addressing the occasion, Bhujbal shared details of his health and his movements. "I underwent heart surgery in Mumbai two months ago," he stated. Explaining his travel, he added, "Advised rest, I took the permission of the doctors and went to the birth place of Savitribai in Satara this morning to pay tributes."
Gratitude and Future Plans
During his address, the minister expressed his gratitude towards Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for sanctioning substantial funds for development works. "I thank chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who sanctioned about Rs 150 crore for various works for the memorial there," Bhujbal said.
However, the minister clarified that this was not a full-fledged return to his official duties. His health remains a priority. "The doctor asked me to take rest for another one and a half months before I resume my work," Bhujbal revealed, indicating a continued period of recovery. After his short stop in Nashik, he planned to fly back to Mumbai the same day.
Bhujbal's medical journey involved a month-long stay at a private hospital in Mumbai post-surgery, followed by another month of rest at his Mumbai residence. His carefully planned visit to Satara and Nashik, undertaken with medical consent, underscores the importance he places on honouring the legacy of the Phules while gradually stepping back into the public sphere.
