UP Congress president Ajay Rai visits temple, resumes work after recovery

He said the good wishes and prayers offered by all Congress party workers and well-wishers for his speedy recovery during his illness infused him with renewed energy. Several leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, had expressed their wishes for Rais speedy recovery.

After recovering from illness, Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president and former minister Ajay Rai visited the Hanuman Temple in Hazratganj, Lucknow, on Saturday. There, he performed rituals and offered prayers according to tradition, seeking happiness, prosperity, and well-being for the state's people. Rai arrived at the Congress office, where party office-bearers and workers accorded him a warm welcome. On this occasion, he met the party workers and held discussions regarding the organisation's activities and upcoming programmes. According to a statement issued by the Congress party, Rai expressed his gratitude to the workers. He said the good wishes and prayers offered by all Congress party workers and well-wishers for his speedy recovery during his illness infused him with renewed energy. He affirmed that the Congress party would continue to vigorously raise public interest issues in the state, and urged all party workers to work with dedication to strengthen the organisation. Rai suddenly fell ill on May 1 and was admitted to Medanta Hospital. Several leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, had expressed their wishes for Rai's speedy recovery. Dr Rakesh Kapoor, Director of Medanta Hospital, told PTI that Rai suddenly fainted at his residence around 6:00 PM on May 1, after which he was brought to the hospital. Dr Kapoor said medical examinations revealed Rai was suffering from a sodium deficiency, and his blood pressure was also elevated. He said doctors immediately administered treatment, which led to an improvement in his condition. Rai has now made a full recovery. Rai unsuccessfully contested against Prime Minister Modi as the Congress candidate for the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat in the last three general elections: 2014, 2019, and 2024. He has served as an MLA five times and as a minister in the Uttar Pradesh government.