What happened to Sanjay Raut? Why Shiv Sena (UBT) leader is stepping away from spotlight for 2 months

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut's sudden announcement on Friday that he would be stepping away from Maharashtra's politics for two months sparked concerns across the spectrum.

In an open letter posted on X, Raut said that a "sudden, serious health issue has suddenly come to light", due to which doctors had advised him to leave the city to take rest immediately, and to stay away from crowds during the treatment period.

"Treatment is underway, and I will come out of this soon. As per medical advice, I have been restricted from going out and mixing with crowds. There is no way around it," he added, in the open letter.

Known for being a harsh critic of the BJP, Raut was expected to take part in the Opposition's protest against the Election Commission on November 1. Notably, he was also absent during a Thursday meeting of the Opposition parties where plans were made for the march on Saturday.

While he has not clarified the nature of his health issues yet, it is worth remembering that about two years ago, the 59-year-old leader underwent angioplasty at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital on Monday, hours after complaining of chest pain.

"Raut first underwent angiography where two blocks in his heart were detected. Angioplasty is being carried out and his health is stable," his brother Sunil Raut had said at the time, as per an NDTV report.

In his open letter on X, Raut also expressed hope that he would be fine by the new year.

Reactions from leaders

"Praying for your speedy recovery and good health, Sanjay Raut Ji," PM Modi wrote on X, in response to Raut's open letter.

"Take care Sanjay Kaka. You fight and win every crisis with your eyes closed. The same will happen now too, I am sure," wrote Aaditya Thackeray.

"There may be political differences, but there is no personal rivalry. It is a dispute over political principles, not humanity," Raut's staunch opponent Naresh Mhaske pointed out, adding that he hoped Raut's health "improves at the earliest".

India