'Do khayega': BJP minister tells son seeking oxygen for mother
At a time when people are running from pillars to posts looking for help for their infected family members, Union Minister Prahlad Singh Patel told a man that he would slap him. The distressed man was looking for oxygen for his coronavirus-positive mother and had approached the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader for help. As per reports, the man had used an expletive.
Locals complained about lack of oxygen, essential medicines
Patel, who handles the Tourism Ministry, had visited a hospital in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, to take stock of the coronavirus situation. After affected families saw the local MP, they rushed to him, complaining about lack of oxygen and essential medicines. Just then, the man used abusive language and Patel replied, "Aisa bolega to do khaega (Will slap you if you talk like this)."
Man said his mother got oxygen for just five minutes
The man shot back at Patel, saying he is ready to get slapped. "Haan khaenge, humari mataram to khane ke liye hee padi hain, (Yes I will. My mother is lying there just for this)," he said. After reprimanding the man to check his words, Patel asked if anyone denied oxygen to his mother. "Yes. They gave oxygen only for five minutes," he replied.
You can watch the clip here
Madhya Pradesh reported 12,384 new cases, 75 deaths
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Madhya Pradesh reported 12,384 new coronavirus cases, taking the statewide tally to 4,59,195. The numbers were slightly less than Wednesday when the central state had added 13,107 new cases, the highest single-day spike. As many as 75 patients passed away to coronavirus-linked complications, swelling the death toll to 4,863. As per PTI, Madhya Pradesh has 84,957 active coronavirus cases.
Centre passed order on oxygen supply, PM Modi chaired meeting
Notably, the healthcare infrastructure is in shreds due to the surging COVID-19 cases; and states have been complaining about a lack of oxygen. The Centre on Thursday passed an order directing that oxygen transport must remain smooth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also chaired a high-level meeting and discussed the ways and means to boost oxygen availability. He was informed about steps taken till now.
