NCP Leader Dhananjay Munde Opens Up About Being Diagnosed With Bell's Palsy

Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had instructed all party ministers to hold ‘janata darbarsʼ in their constituencies to resolve public issues. However, State Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dhananjay Munde has not been doing so, nor has he been attending cabinet meetings.

Currently facing heat in the case of the murder of a sarpanch in Beed, Munde revealed on Thursday that he has Bellʼs palsy. After questions were raised, Dhananjay Munde clarified the situation with a social media post on Thursday.

He explained, “15 days ago, I had eye surgery. For 10 days, I was advised to avoid bright light, dust and sunlight. During this time, I was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, and I am currently receiving treatment from Dr Arun Shah at Reliance Hospital. Because of this illness, I’m unable to speak properly for more than two minutes. As a result, I have missed a few cabinet meetings and janata darbars. I have informed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar about my condition. I will soon recover and get back to my duties.”

As per Ajit Pawar’s instructions, ministers Hasan Mushrif, Dhananjay Munde, Dattatray Bharne, and Makrand Patil were to hold janata darbars every Tuesday. Manikrao Kokate, Narhari Zirwal, Babasaheb Patil, and Aditi Tatkare were scheduled for Wednesdays. Ajit Pawar has been holding janata darbars in Baramati for years. These meetings allow leaders to connect with the public. However, since Munde has not followed these orders, it has raised questions about whether he will face party action.