Karnataka elections: H D Kumaraswamy hospitalised; Jagdish Shettar welcomes Rahul to Hubbali

The JD (S) leader is "medically stable and is recuperating"

hd-kumaraswamy-media H. D. Kumaraswamy speaks to the media after handing over a letter of support from elected legislators to the governor | Reuters

JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy was on Sunday admitted to a hospital after suffering from a fever. Doctors who attended him said the former chief minister is "medically stable and is recuperating."

With barely three weeks left for the elections, Kumaraswamy has been busy with the election campaign. However, the tireless touring reportedly left him exhausted and weak. It was then that the doctors advised rest for the 63-year-old leader. 

"Mr H D Kumaraswamy was admitted on April 22, 2023 evening to Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road Bengaluru, under the care of Dr Satyanarayana Mysore. He is admitted with symptoms of exhaustion and generalised weakness," the hospital said in a statement.

"All relevant medical tests and treatment are being carried out. He is medically stable and is recuperating," it said.

Following his hospitalisation, the JD(S) announced the cancellations of all programmes scheduled by the leader. Kumaraswamy, however, requested the JD(S) workers and leaders not to worry, adding that he will participate in the election campaign after resting. 

Kumaraswamy had undergone heart-related surgery in the past and had been vocal about his intention to quit electoral politics after 2028, hinting that he "needs to take some rest."

"After 2028 assembly elections, I will not contest in the polls. I need to take some rest but that doesn’t mean I will be away from politics. I will continue to work for the people of Karnataka and its development," he added.

Rahul arrives in Hubbali

Rahul -Shettar PTI Congress leader Rahul Gandhi being received by party leader Jagadish Shettar upon his arrival in Hubballi | PTI

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has arrived in Hubbali, Karnataka, to take part in the Basava Jayanti celebrations at Kudala Sangama in Bagalkot district, a major pilgrimage centre of the Lingayats. Rahul's arrival is seen as a bid by the Congress party to reach out to the Lingayat community, which holds sway in the state. 

Rahul was welcomed to Hubbali by former Karnataka chief minister Jagadish Shettar, who recently quit BJP to join Congress after being denied a ticket. 

As part of his two-day programme, Rahul will also participate in ‘Jana Samparka' (public contact) at Vijayapura at Shivaji Circle. 

On Monday afternoon, he will arrive at Ramdurg in Belagavi to meet sugarcane growers of the region. His literary also include Gadag and a public meeting in Hangal in the Haveri district.

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