Mumbai: Former Maharashtra Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate Undergoes Successful Angioplasty, Recovering At Lilavati Hospital
Manikrao Kokate, a former Maharashtra minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, has undergone successful coronary angioplasty at Lilavati Hospital. The procedure followed his admission for Acute Coronary Syndrome and severe hypertension. Doctors report he is now recovering in the ICU.
Kokate was rushed to Lilavati Hospital’s casualty ward on December 18 after his blood pressure spiked dangerously. Tests confirmed Acute Coronary Syndrome, prompting immediate treatment. The angioplasty, performed by Dr Jalil Parkar, cleared blockages in two major arteries.
His hospitalisation came days after a significant legal development. On Friday, the Bombay High Court granted him bail in a 1995 cheating case, requiring a bond of Rs 1 lakh. This followed his resignation as Maharashtra’s Sports and Minority Development and Waqf Minister, submitted on Thursday after his conviction in the same case. Kokate had stepped down in July 2023 but remained an MLA, shifting alliances from Shiv Sena (UBT) to NCP without returning to a ministerial role.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat reassigned Kokate’s former portfolios to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Kokate’s resignation aligned with his party’s stance on upholding judicial respect and the rule of law.
Currently, Kokate remains under close observation at Lilavati Hospital. His condition is stable, and doctors describe his recovery as progressing well.
Kokate’s health is improving after the emergency procedure, with his ICU recovery monitored closely. His political future remains uncertain following his resignation and legal proceedings. For now, his focus stays on regaining strength under medical care.
