Mumbai: Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde revealed on Thursday that he has been diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, a condition that causes sudden weakness in the facial muscles and has significantly impacted his ability to speak.

Munde shared the update on Facebook, stating, "Currently, I cannot speak properly for even two minutes, which has prevented me from attending cabinet meetings and public events." 

In his post, Munde reassured Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar of his commitment to overcoming the illness and returning to public service as soon as possible.

The minister had undergone eye surgery under Dr. TP Lahane about 15 days ago and had been advised to avoid bright lights, dust, and sun exposure. 

Munde is facing criticism from the opposition and some Mahayuti colleagues after his close aide, Walmik Karad, was arrested in an extortion case related to the abduction and murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Massajog, Beed, on December 9. Munde has denied any involvement in the sarpanch case and has also rejected allegations of irregularities during his tenure as agriculture minister.