Mumbai: Maharashtra Minister and senior NCP leader Jitendra Awhad has said he contracted the novel coronavirus infection due to ‘overconfidence’.

Awhad, MLA from Mumbra-Kausa, had gone into precautionary quarantine on 13 April after some of his security staff tested positive for the virus, and got himself admitted to a private hospital on April 19 where he was detected with the infection some days later.

Awhad, who said he had pre-existing ailments like hypertension and diabetes, was discharged after recovery on 10 May.

‘It was due to sheer overconfidence I contracted the coronavirus infection. The period between 23 and 26 April was the most crucial in my life. My family was informed that there were little chances of my survival. I was extremely scared for my life. I spent every minute thinking of life and death,’ he told a news channel.

He said he had even written a note while in ICU which stated that all his property be given to his daughter in case something happened to him.

‘The disease made me realise that I have been highly reckless about my health and lifestyle. I had completely forgotten there is life outside politics. Now, I realise my life needs to be more disciplined,’ he said.