India, Nov. 1 -- Messages of concern and support flooded social media on Friday after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut announced that he is stepping away from public life due to a "serious health issue."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended wishes for a speedy recovery to Raut.

Raut, one of the most recognisable faces of the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, said on Friday that he has been advised strict limits on public interaction while he undergoes treatment.

"You have all loved and trusted me. But I have developed serious health issues and am undergoing treatment. I will come out of this," he wrote on X, adding that he hopes to regain good health by next year. "As per medical advice, I have been asked not to step out or mingle...