Fanfare to welcome Paatil in Somnath rings alarm bells

Rajkot: Newly-appointed BJP state president C R Paatil is visiting Somnath on Wednesday. He is expected to meet party workers of the surrounding districts besides various community leaders in Somnath temple trust hall.
However, concerns are being raised on the huge gathering of approximately 400 people in the three to four hours’ meeting amid the pandemic. Incidentally, the venue of his meeting is located barely 100 meters away from Lilavati guest house where the district administration has created a Covid care centre to treat infected people.
Zaver Thakrar Gir Somnath district president of BJP said, “We have planned a bike rally to welcome Paatil.
With a bigger show planned in Somnath to welcome the leader, party workers are busy putting up banners in the entire Somnath district. BJP has planned a lunch arrangement for nearly 400 people in the town.
Congress MLA from Somnath Vimal Chudasama said, “We believe that the political parties should avoid such large gatherings looking at the pandemic situation. If the ruling party will organize such gatherings, where are all the safety measures?”
Superintendent of police, Gir Somnath, Rahul Tripathi told TOI: “BJP party workers did not apply for any permission, but we are aware of this programme. The guideline is in place and we expect that the guidelines will be followed.”