Bhubaneswar: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and Puri Lok Sabha candidate Arup Patnaik fell ill during campaign near Pipili amid scorching heat.
According to sources, the former Mumbai Police Commissioner was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital and then taken to Bhubaneswar.
Patnaik and BJD’s Pipili Assembly candidate Rudra Maharathy were taking part in a election rally when the Lok Sabha nominee fell ill.
As part of the campaign, party workers and leaders were proceeding in a procession from Uttara Chhak when Patnaik suddenly fell ill near Haat Chhak at Pipili, apparently due to the blistering heat and humid weather prevailing in the area, sources said.
Patnaik was standing atop an open election campaign vehicle when he reportedly fainted. Party workers present with him immediately sprayed water and rushed him to Pipili Hospital. The doctors said that he fainted as his blood pressure level had fallen.
He was given preliminary treatment at the hospital and then taken to Bhubaneswar. His condition was stated to be stable.
