Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani tests positive for COVID-19 day after fainting at a rally

Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Monday tested positive for coronavirus, a day after he fainted during a rally in Vadodara. He was admitted to UN Mehta Hospital in Ahmedabad and is currently in stable condition.

Rupani, 64, had collapsed on stage while speaking at a rally in Vadodara on Sunday, following which he was flown to the Ahmedabad hospital, accompanied by a medical team. His samples were collected on Sunday night and sent for an RT-PCR test which came out positive for coronavirus, a health bulletin issued by the hospital on Monday stated.

After the incident, BJP General Secretary Sunil Solanki said that the chief minister was tired but he had not complained of any uneasiness.

“The infection is mild, and his condition is stable. He would be under medical observation for the next five to seven days,” said Deputy CM Nitin Patel.

Two other senior leaders of BJP – Kutch MP Vinod Chavda and General Secretary Bhikhubhai Dalsaniya – have also been tested positive for Covid-19, Patel added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also enquired about Rupani’s health over phone, a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office said. Modi reportedly advised Rupani to get himself thoroughly checked and to take proper rest.

Meanwhile, elections to six municipal corporations, including Vadodara, will be held on February 21, while those for various other municipalities, districts and taluka panchayats will be held on February 28.