Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was unexpectedly hospitalized on Friday evening at a hospital in Mohali due to exhaustion and a notably low heart rate. Earlier in the day, doctors treating him at his residence observed no improvement, prompting admission to the Intensive Care Unit for closer monitoring. Upon arrival, his vital signs—including pulse rate—stabilized, and the medical team confirmed his condition is improving under observation.
The sudden deterioration came amid Mann’s active involvement in flood relief operations; he had been touring affected regions without adequate rest, where he is believed to have contracted a viral fever, accompanied by digestive ailments. A senior official suggested that drinking polluted water during these visits may have contributed to his illness, which began approximately two days earlier.
As a result of his hospitalization, a high-profile Cabinet meeting scheduled to review flood relief efforts was postponed. Mann was also forced to skip accompanying AAP national convener on a tour of flooded areas, although the convener later visited him at his official residence to check on his wellbeing.
This is not the first time Mann has faced a serious health scare. In September of the previous year, he was hospitalized for several days after being diagnosed with a bacterial infection. His condition continues to be rated as stable, although state officials are closely watching developments.
Mann’s illness has sparked concern across the state’s leadership, as contingency plans are being made to ensure governance and flood management efforts remain uninterrupted. A cabinet reconvening is expected once the Chief Minister has sufficiently recovered.