Veteran BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani was discharged from Delhi’s Indraprastha Apollo Hospital on Monday after a three-day stay for treatment of a chest infection, with doctors saying his condition had improved enough for him to head home.
The 98-year-old leader was admitted to the hospital’s pulmonary department late on Friday evening. His discharge on Monday afternoon came as a relief to party leaders and supporters, many of whom had been anxiously tracking his health through the weekend.
What the hospital said
In a press statement issued on Monday, the hospital confirmed that Advani had responded well to treatment.
“Mr L.K. Advani, who was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on 16th October with a chest infection, is being discharged today. He has been under the care of Dr Vinit Suri, Senior Consultant, Neurology, and has shown improvement in his medical status,” the statement said.
Hospital officials had earlier confirmed that his condition remained stable through the weekend, with a specialised team of doctors keeping him under close observation while necessary medical tests and treatment were carried out.
Visitors and well-wishers
News of his admission on Friday night drew a stream of concern from across the political spectrum. On Saturday, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda visited the hospital to enquire about Advani’s health and meet the doctors treating him.
Leaders from several parties also posted messages wishing the veteran a speedy recovery, underlining the respect Advani commands across party lines even years after stepping back from active politics.
A history of recent hospitalisations
This was not the first time in recent months that Advani has needed hospital care. A quick look at his medical record:
- May 2026: Admitted to Apollo Hospital for age-related health complications, discharged after a few days of treatment.
- December 2024: Admitted to the intensive care unit of Indraprastha Apollo Hospital for medical management and investigations under a neurologist; the hospital said his condition was stable.
- July 2024: Admitted to Apollo Hospital after being discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where he had spent a night.
Doctors have repeatedly emphasised that given his age, regular monitoring and prompt treatment are essential, and Monday’s discharge followed that familiar pattern of careful, short hospital stays.
The man behind the headlines
Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, Advani is among the most prominent figures in the BJP’s history. He served as the party’s president for three terms and is widely credited with building the BJP from a small force into a major national political organisation.
He was Union Home Minister from 1998 to 2004 and served as India’s Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004 in the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In 2024, he was honoured with the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, which was presented to him at his residence by President Droupadi Murmu.
As he recuperates at home, party leaders have said his schedule will remain light in the coming days, with doctors advising rest and regular follow-ups.
FAQs
When was L.K. Advani admitted to the hospital?
He was admitted to Indraprastha Apollo Hospital’s pulmonary department at around 7.30 pm on Friday, October 16, 2026.
What was he being treated for?
A chest infection with pulmonary complications, for which he remained under the observation of a specialised team of doctors.
Who was treating him?
He was under the care of Dr Vinit Suri, Senior Consultant, Neurology, at Apollo Hospitals.
Has he been hospitalised before?
Yes. He was admitted to Apollo Hospital in May 2026 for age-related complications, and earlier in December 2024 and July 2024.
What is his condition now?
The hospital said on Monday that he had shown improvement in his medical status and was being discharged.
Here is wishing the veteran leader a full and speedy recovery.
