Mitch McConnell

MITCH McConnell has been hit with a blunt demand from a top Democrat as questions continue to swirl over the veteran senator’s health after weeks away from the public eye.

The Republican lawmaker, 84, has not been seen in public for seven weeks, with only a handful of updates and photos released since he was hospitalized in June.

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Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) has now escalated the pressure, telling McConnell to “serve or resign” in a sharply-worded letter send Monday.

The Democrat urged McConnell to personally reassure voters if he is fit for office – or step aside if he cannot.

“As Governor of the state you serve, I am calling on you to directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign,” Beshear wrote in the letter, according to CNN.

McConnell has been absent from Congress since he was hospitalized on June 14 with an unspecified medical condition.

His office has issued written statements and released photographs showing the longtime senator with his wife, but the limited updates have fueled growing speculation over his health and ability to continue serving.

Beshear also copied Senate Majority Leader John Thune into the letter, arguing further action may be needed if McConnell does not publicly address Kentuckians, CNN reported.

“Per our research, a vacancy in the Senate occurs when a senator dies, resigns, or is expelled by a vote of the Senate itself,” Beshear wrote.

“If you are unwilling to voluntarily show that you still have the capacity to serve, I will insist Leader Thune fully investigate your condition, report to the American people, and begin the process if warranted.”

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The GOP senator has battled a series of health setbacks in recent years, including multiple falls and a week-long hospitalization with flu-like symptoms in February.

He also survived polio as a child and has previously said he still experiences “lingering effects” from the illness in his left leg.

On Monday, the Office of the Attending Physician confirmed McConnell has not yet been medically cleared to return to the Senate.

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“Senator McConnell continues his recovery from a fall at home in June. OAP physicians visit with the Senator every day, discussing all aspects of his rehabilitation care,” the office said.

“Since his discharge from hospital care, he has maintained a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation, including multiple sessions a day designed to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of future falls.”

The physician’s office added that the senator’s childhood battle with polio “continues to be a significant factor in his mobility.”

Despite acknowledging that update, Beshear argued McConnell still owes constituents a direct explanation.

“I understand anyone’s desire for privacy, but when you run for office and serve as one of a state’s two U.S. senators, you willingly abdicate much of your personal privacy,” he wrote.

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“That’s the deal, and we all know it when we run.”

Beshear also criticized McConnell’s absence while major political battles continue in Washington, claiming: “Important events are happening in our country right now during your absence.”

McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in US history, announced earlier this year that he will retire when his current term ends in January.