NEW DELHI: Former Union Health Minister and BJP leader Dr. Harsh Vardhan declared his exit from politics after a 30-year-long career, expressing his intention to return to medical practice in Kanpur. The emotional farewell on X highlighted his political journey, winning multiple elections and serving as the Delhi Health Minister and Union Health Minister during the first two phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harsh Vardhan mentioned his motivation for joining politics was rooted in serving the poor and needy. The decision follows the BJP’s denial of a ticket for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, indicating a shift back to his medical roots. In a heartfelt post on X, Dr. Harsh Vardhan stated, “After over thirty years of a glorious electoral career… I finally bow out to return to my roots.”
He expressed gratitude to party workers and colleagues, acknowledging his political innings and passion for serving the common man. His focus on the “Antodaya philosophy” of serving the last person in the queue and his commitment to fighting poverty, disease, and ignorance were prominent in the farewell message.
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After over thirty years of a glorious electoral career, during which I won all the five assembly and two parliamentary elections that I fought with exemplary margins, and held a multitude of prestigious positions in the party organisation and the governments at the state and…
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) March 3, 2024
Reflecting on his contributions, Dr. Harsh Vardhan highlighted his role in making Bharat polio-free and managing the health challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. He expressed pride in defending people during the gravest dangers, particularly in the face of the pandemic. The announcement also conveyed his commitment to ongoing work against tobacco and substance abuse, climate change, and promoting simple and sustainable lifestyles.
The decision follows the BJP’s announcement of its first list of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, which excluded Harsh Vardhan and named Praveen Khandelwal as the party’s candidate for the Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat.
“My gratitude to Ma Bharati, my reverence to my fellow citizens and my obeisance to the values enshrined in our Constitution. And yes, that was the biggest privilege that Bhagwan Shri Ram bestowed upon me, the privilege of being able to save human lives !!”, he wrote further in the post.
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The veteran leader expressed his excitement about the future, emphasising promises to keep and a dream to pursue. He thanked party workers, supporters, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a particular focus on his work dynamics with Modi.
Harsh Vardhan concluded by stating, “I move on, I really can’t wait. I have promises to keep… and miles to go before I sleep!! I have a dream… and I know your blessings shall always remain with me.” He also mentioned his ENT clinic at Krishna Nagar, eagerly awaiting his return, emphasising a balance between political achievements and his medical practice.