Sonia Gandhi, the former president of the Indian National Congress and a prominent figure in Indian politics, has been admitted to Medanta – The Medicity hospital in Gurgaon for medical evaluation and minor surgery. The 79-year-old Rajya Sabha member was hospitalized on Wednesday following complaints of chronic respiratory issues and a persistent cough. Medical experts close to the family indicated that the deteriorating air quality in New Delhi has significantly exacerbated her pre-existing respiratory conditions, leading to this necessary clinical intervention.
Reports from Indian news outlets NDTV and PTI highlighted that this marks the third time Gandhi has been hospitalized since January 2026. In March, she was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi with a high fever, where clinical tests revealed a systemic infection. At that time, she was treated with a course of antibiotics and remained under observation for several days. Her current admission at Medanta is expected to involve a series of diagnostic tests to monitor her long-term health, alongside a minor surgical procedure mentioned by hospital sources.
Currently, Gandhi is under the specialized care of a team of chest physicians. The Medanta hospital staff noted that her chronic cough requires regular monitoring, particularly during periods of high atmospheric pollution in the national capital region. Although a Congress party spokesperson stated that her condition is stable, the recurring nature of her respiratory ailments has caused concern among party members and supporters. The hospital has restricted unauthorized access to the VIP floor to ensure her privacy while the necessary tests are conducted.
Sonia Gandhi continues to be a pivotal influence within the Congress party, although she has stepped back from active daily leadership roles due to her advancing age and health issues. Following the news of her hospitalization, several high-ranking political leaders across India took to social media to wish her a speedy recovery. The political landscape remains attentive to her health status, as her guidance is still considered vital for the party`s strategic maneuvers. Environmental advocates have also pointed to her situation as a stark example of the severe health risks posed to the elderly by the ongoing pollution crisis in northern India.
