Gadkari collapses during Maharashtra function

Union Minister for Shipping Nitin Gadkari fainted during a function here on Friday.

The incident occurred when he was standing with other dignitaries for the National Anthem at the convocation function of the Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV) Agricultural University.

Gadkari started feeling uneasy, lost his balance and collapsed on the dais. Maharashtra Governor C.V. Rao and some others rushed to prevent him from falling.

He was taken to a local government guest house and examined by a team of emergency medicos.

A diabetic patient, Gadkari's condition was stated as "stable" by his Bharatiya Janata Party colleagues.

He himself tweeted on his condition after a couple of hours.

"Had slight medical condition due to low sugar. I have been attended by doctors and I am doing well now. I thank all of you for all the well wishes," Gadkari said.

After a short rest at the guest house, Gadkari took a helicopter ride to Shirdi for a darshan of the world famous Shri Saibaba Samadhi temple and later took a private flight to his hometown Nagpur.

Party colleagues said his gruelling daily schedules in public life may have taken a toll on his health which resulted in his collapse.

Gadkari, who handles several critical portfolios, is known to maintain a stringent 18-hour schedule starting at 6 a.m. with yoga and his working day continues well past midnight.-IANS