BJP's ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatras’ Leading To Spike In Covid-19 Cases In Maharashtra: Dy CM Ajit Pawar

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader said such events will “obviously” lead to a further increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar (File Pic)

Pune: Taking potshots at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has alleged the saffron party’s ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatras’ is leading to a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in the state.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader said such events will “obviously” lead to a further increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.

READ: India Continues To Register Over 45K Coronavirus Cases In Single Day With Kerala As Major Contributor

“On one hand, the Central government is asking us to take care (of Covid-19 cases) and on the other hand, it is asking the newly-inducted four ministers (from Maharashtra) to take out rallies/yatra. The gathering is taking place at these rallies and that will affect the cases obviously,” ANI quoted Pawar as saying.

Continuing his attack on the BJP, Pawar said: “Wherever these rallies are taking place and gatherings are happening, we will see the effect (of increased cases) in the coming days.”

“Though we are of the opinion that cases should not increase but still if it happens at these places where rallies are taking place who shall be held responsible? This must be considered as well,” he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister’s outburst came as Maharashtra currently has 55,341 active cases.

Over 62 lakh people have so far recovered in Maharashtra, while the death toll stands at 1,37,026.

Earlier on August 16, the BJP launched the ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatras’ from different parts of the country. Thirty nine ministers, who were inducted into the Union Council of Ministers earlier on July 7, will be part of these yatras across 22 states.