Nitin Gadkari faints on stage

Union Shipping Minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari on Friday fainted on a stage and almost fell down during a function in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.

The incident happened when the national anthem was being played at the end of the convocation function of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV) in Ahmednagar district.

Gadkari (61) felt uneasy and lost his balance and as he was falling down Maharashtra Governor C H Vidyasagar Rao, who was next to him, caught hold of him.

Some of the aides of the Governor and Gadkari rushed to the minister. He was offered chocolate and water.

Later, Gadkari was taken to hospital for a medical examination.

"Had slight medical condition due to low sugar. I have been attended by doctors and I am doing well now. I thank all of you for all the well wishes," Gadkari tweeted.

Thereafter, he went to the temple town of Shirdi and sought blessings of Shri Sai Baba.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, he said: "Due lack of oxygen I felt a bit suffocated. Later, I got my blood sugar and blood pressure checked and the reports were fine. I am better now and there is nothing to worry."

Senior politicans wished speedy recovery to Gadkari.

"Sometimes hard work takes a toll on health! @nitin_gadkari ji please take care. I wish you a very good health!!," NCP president Sharad Pawar tweeted.