TNR News Network
SHIMLA: Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who has been in Himachal Pradesh for a quiet getaway, visited Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) and Hospital in Shimla on Saturday evening, raising speculation across political and public circles.
But what prompted the senior leader to visit the hospital Sources said it was a routine checkup related to sudden rise in blood pressure, and not an emergency. Yet, her brief hospital visit triggered a wave of concern, with the Chief Minister cutting short his tour and top state officials rushing to the hospital.
Routine check-up, not medical emergency
Sonia Gandhi, who has been staying at daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s residence in Chharabra near Shimla since June 2, reportedly felt slightly unwell earlier in the day. A team of doctors was sent to her residence in the morning as a precaution. By 6.25 pm, she herself arrived at the IGMC for a round of medical tests.
Walking unassisted from her car to the radiology department via the lift in D Block, Sonia Gandhi underwent diagnostic evaluations which doctors later described as precautionary. “She came for a routine check-up. All test results are normal,” said Dr Rahul Rao, Medical Superintendent, IGMC.
Health minister, top officials rush to hospital
Although doctors ruled out any health scare, Sonia Gandhi’s hospital visit prompted a flurry of activity. Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena and other senior officials reached IGMC almost immediately. Security was significantly heightened across the hospital campus.
“Her health is stable. It was purely a routine visit,” reiterated Minister Shandil, urging the public and media not to speculate unnecessarily.
CM Sukhvinder Sukhu cuts short Una tour
What added fuel to the speculation was Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s abrupt return to Shimla. He cancelled his scheduled development tour of Una where he was expected to announce projects worth Rs 25.79 crore and rushed back to the capital. His move raised eyebrows, especially among local residents who had been eagerly awaiting the CM’s visit.
Though no official link was drawn between Sukhu’s return and Sonia Gandhi’s hospital trip, the timing left many guessing.
