Himachal minister Stokes hospitalised

Shimla, Oct 21: Himachal Pradesh Irrigation and Public Health Minister Vidya Stokes was admitted to Fortis Hospital in Punjab's Mohali town on Saturday after she suffered respiratory problem, but her condition is stable, a doctor said.

"She has been admitted to hospital for observation and will be discharged in a day or two," the doctor said.

Stokes, 89, complained of congestion and was suffering from mild fever, he added.

She is a legislator from Theog in Shimla district.

A long-time Indian hockey administrator and the daughter-in-law of an American missionary, Stokes is known for her proximity to the Gandhi family.

In the coming assembly elections, slated on November 9, she declined to re-contest, citing health reasons.