Village tour: 2 Cong MLAs flout Covid norms

AMRITSAR: Amid the government’s frantic efforts to break the virus chain by not allowing more than 10 people even at weddings, cremations and funerals, two MLAs of the ruling Congress reportedly mobilised dozens of people while inspecting development works in villages of Tarn Taran and Gurdaspur districts.

At Gurdaspur district’s Bharath village on Monday, Hargobindpur MLA Balwinder Singh Laddi inspected the construction of a new powerhouse. He was accompanied by the officials of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited. During his visit, more than two dozen people were with him, some of them without the face mask. The MLA also posted pictures of his visit on his Facebook page.

Laddi, on the same day, also visited Dhandoi village’s playground where he met more than 30 budding players. The youngsters were without face masks and protocol of physical distancing was not followed even as police personnel were around.

Laddi said, “We had called only 15-20 sarpanches. Everyone had face mask and physical distancing norms were followed. In Dhandoi village, the youth were playing separately, but they got together when some mediapersons asked for a group picture. I am very strict when it comes to following the Covid guidelines.”

Batala SSP Rashpal Singh said the matter was not in his notice.

“I will get it checked. Nobody is allowed to flout the Covid norms,” he said.

The second incident was reported at Nathuke village of Tarn Taran district where Patti MLA Harminder Singh Gill inspected a new cremation ground. He posted a picture of him with more than 40 people huddled together on his social media account. Many of the people could be seen without face masks.

Gill could not be reached despite repeated attempts. The village’s sarpanch Paramjit Singh, who owes allegiance to the Congress party, said, “Gill had inspected the cremation ground’s work and inaugurated a link road in the village. Only 15 people were present during the programme and all had worn masks.”