Odisha: BJP blames BJD of flouting Covid rules

BHUBANESWAR: State BJP on Monday accused BJD leaders of violating Covid rules during events to mark Independence Day.
Among the leaders named by the party in a letter to chief minister Naveen Patnaik are BJD’s Puri MP Pinaki Mishra and deputy chairman of the state planning board, Sanjay Das Burma.
The letter, written by BJP MLA Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra, sought action against Mishra and Das Burma for not wearing masks while flagging off an ambulance at Brahmagiri on August 15. Mohapatra said a large number of people had also gathered at the event in violation of distancing norms. “Covid has taken on alarming proportions in the state including in Brahmagiri in Puri. Such acts by responsible leaders are a sign of grave danger for the people who are already in fear of the virus,” said Mohapatra.
The Brahmagiri MLA also mentioned past incidents of BJD leaders allegedly violating norms. “We demand strict investigation into the matter and action against the violators,” Mohapatra said.
The ruling BJD chose to remain silent on the accusations. “We do not want to comment,” BJD spokesperson Manas Mangaraj said.