NCP slams BJP for holding ‘Jan Ashirwad’ yatras amid threat of COVID-19 third wave

BJP leaders should realise that people’s lives are more important than elections, says the NCP leader.

Published - August 20, 2021 04:01 pm IST - Mumbai

Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Narayan Rane faces criticism from NCP for embarking on the two-day 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra' amid Covid third wave threat.

Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Narayan Rane faces criticism from NCP for embarking on the two-day 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra' amid Covid third wave threat.

The NCP, which is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra, on Friday hit out at the BJP, saying that the leaders of that party were conducting ‘Jan Ashirwad’ yatras across the country with elections in mind, despite the third wave of coronavirus pandemic threatening the country.

Talking to reporters, NCP’s chief spokesperson and State minister Nawab Malik said the BJP leaders should realise that people’s lives are more important than elections.

Newly-inducted Union Ministers Narayan Rane, Bharti Pawar, Kapil Patil and Bhagwat Karad have embarked on ‘Jan Ashirwad’ yatras in different parts of Maharashtra to reach out to people and thank them for the BJP’s win in elections in the recent past.

Talking about it, Mr. Malik said although the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the World Health Organization (WHO) and several experts have appealed that crowding should be avoided to prevent the possible third wave, the BJP was doing exactly the opposite.

“Due to the BJP’s programme of the yatras, there is a threat of the third wave. If COVID-19 rules are violated, cases will be filed against the organisers,” he said.

The NCP leader said, “Elections will come and go, but people’s lives are important. BJP leaders should realise this fact.”

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