Karnataka: Defying lockdown, BJP MLA hosts grand birthday party
What's the story
The rules of lockdown must be followed strictly and no one should step out unless it's absolutely necessary — this is the only message the government has been conveying for the last couple of weeks. But looks like a member of the ruling BJP didn't get the memo on coronavirus as he hosted a grand party in Karnataka, inviting ridicule from all quarters.
What happened
Masale Jayaram hosted his birthday party at a government school
The politician who thought it was absolutely fine to host a birthday party while the nation grapples with a pandemic is Masale Jayaram, MLA from Turuvekere constituency. Wearing lavish clothes, complete with a pagdi and shawl, Jayaram celebrated his birthday in Gubbi Taluk in Tumkur. A sizeable number of people came to a government school for the event.
What he did
What social distancing? Perhaps, birthdays are more important
Viral pictures of the event showed that Jayaram wore gloves while cutting the cake, possibly to save himself from the COVID-19 disease. But he didn't pay attention to the other precaution — social distancing. As his aides stood dangerously close to him, Jayaram addressed his well-wishers. He also distributed cake among kids. In fact, biryani was also prepared at the venue.
Twitter Post
Here are the visuals from the spot
Karnataka: BJP MLA from Turuvekere M Jayaram today celebrated his birthday with villagers in Gubbi taluk, Tumkur, during lockdown for prevention of COVID19 transmission. pic.twitter.com/nNSpPLTBmU
— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2020
Wedding
After banning large gatherings, Yediyurappa attended a grand wedding
As it turns out, politicians of Karnataka have a penchant for violating rules. Last month, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa attended a wedding in Belgavi where nearly 2,000 people were present. He attended the wedding of BJP MLC Mahantesh Kavatgimath's daughter on March 15 after he himself banned large gatherings in the state. Basavaraj Bommai, Karnataka's Home Minister, also attended the function.
Looking back
DK Shivakumar's promotion too was celebrated with pomp and show
A day after Yediyurappa participated in the wedding, Congress leader DK Shivakumar was given a grand welcome at the party office. Party workers were celebrating his elevation to the post of state Congress chief. They garlanded him, clicked selfies, and flouted distancing guidelines. This event happened at a time when former Congress President Rahul Gandhi attacked Centre over coronavirus, claiming BJP wasn't serious.
Plans
Karnataka may lift curbs from districts that haven't been infected
Notably, Karnataka is one of the worst-hit states with 207 infections and six deaths. On Wednesday, Yediyurappa said he was in favor of lifting restrictions from districts, that haven't been affected by the virus, only after consulting with the Centre. Karnataka might also relax liquor sales after April 14 in a bid to generate revenue, Yediyurappa added. The sales have suffered since March 25.