Amid BJP’S yatra, CM expresses concern over political events

HEALTH MINISTER HAS URGED MALL ASSOCIATIONS TO TAKE THE PRIVATE ROUTE TO GET THE STAFF VACCINATED

MUMBAI: As ministers from the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government are holding ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatra’ in various parts of Maharashtra, the state cabinet on Wednesday expressed concern over the spike in Covid-19 owing to political meetings and gatherings. Meanwhile, no decision was taken on reopening of schools or allowing partially vaccinated staff to work in shopping malls. State health minister Rajesh Tope said they are not considering giving any further relaxations as of now.

Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, in a statement after the cabinet meeting, said he is concerned over the irresponsible behaviour of a few people who are organising political, social or religious programs and putting the lives of the common people in danger. The statement assumes significance as Narayan Rane, union minister for micro, small and medium enterprises, is holding the 650-km yatra in Mumbai and Konkan. “We need to be careful while allowing political meetings and gatherings that are leading to crowding,” a senior minister reportedly said in the cabinet meeting.

“The citizens should not forget that the state has relaxed some of the restrictions just to keep the economy afloat. However, the behaviour of some people is a matter of concern as they are organizing political, social, religious and other events by violating the rules and endangering lives of the common man,” Thackeray said in a statement. “We are endangering not only our own health but also of others by not following Covid rules, crowding and not wearing facial masks.”

Over complaints of shortage of vaccine doses, the health minister has urged the mall associations to take the private route to get their staff vaccinated in less time.

Ahead of the forthcoming local body elections, the state BJP unit is looking at an opportunity to take the central schemes to the people and expose the alleged failure of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government on various fronts. For this, four new ministers — Rajya Sabha MPS Narayan Rane and Dr Bhagwat Karad, and MPS Kapil Patil and Dr Bharti Pawar — who were inducted in the Modi government as part of cabinet reshuffle on July 7 have been asked to hold ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatra’. They have already begun their yatra from August 16, while Rane is set to start the yatra from August 19.

State BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye alleged that the BJP is being dragged for no reason whereas such political gatherings are being organized by all the three ruling parties in the state.