Manohar Parikkar was admitted to hospital on February 15 after he complained of food poisoning. (File)
Highlights
- Manohar Parrikar was being treated for a pancreatic condition
- Mr Parrikar was admitted on Feb 15 after he complained of food poisoning
- Sources say he has been asked to be careful about infection
Manohar Parrikar, who has been unwell for days, made a dramatic appearance in the Goa assembly today to present the budget, hours after he was discharged from a hospital in Mumbai.
The Chief Minister was treated at the Lilavati hospital in Mumbai for a pancreatic condition.
Dressed in full sleeves unusual for him, Mr Parrikar was accompanied by son Utpal as he arrived at the assembly.
"For a complete recovery, I have been advised by the doctors some precautions in the immediate short term. During this period, my interaction with the public will be limited," the Chief Minister said in a brief statement before announcing the budget.
Thanking people for their wishes, he also described Goa and Goans as "my extended family".
The 62-year-old was admitted to hospital on February 15 after he complained of stomach ache and food poisoning. Later, his office said he was being treatment for an illness related to the pancreas.
While leaving the assembly complex, Mr Parrikar was asked by a reporter about his health. "Nothing is wrong with me. I have been asked not to maintain close contact," he replied, waving.
His decision to present the budget surprised many in his cabinet and the assembly. Police officers were seen supervising frantic last-minute security arrangements.
"It is his will to come here... He arranged the flight himself, which his whole family did not know. The family was trying to bring him after the budget session. He must have used his good offices for the first time and came on a private flight...only to show the people of Goa that 'I am a fighter'," BJP legislator Nilesh Cabral said.
Even Opposition leader Chandrakant Kavlekar said he was glad to have Mr Parrikar back. "We are glad to see him and we hope he recovers fully," he said.