Public figures breach Covid-19 protocols in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: Close to 25 MLAs and MPs have tested positive in Tamil Nadu for Covid-19 since June. But elected representatives and party functionaries continue to hog the limelight, participating in public meetings and undertaking trips, even if it requires hopping flights to the national capital and back, violating all the health protocols.

People travelling within the state for business purposes and returning within 48 hours are exempted from quarantine. It is 14 days of home quarantine for all passengers arriving in Tamil Nadu from other states. But BJP leaders V P Duraisamy, M N Raja, and rebel DMK MLA, Ku Ka Selvam, who met BJP national president J P Nadda in New Delhi on Tuesday, visited the BJP HQ Kamalalayam within 24 hours. They participated in the special prayers to coincide with the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

“They should have been under home quarantine as per norms. If anyone lodges a complaint, it can be treated as a violation under disaster management act,” said a senior official , seeking anonymity. BJP state president L Murugan is a frequent visitor to the national capital and visits the party office thereafter.

As for ministers and officials, they happily hop from one district to another and they are considered as being “on duty” wherein quarantine is not considered mandatory. So, minister O S Manian, who participated in a public hearing in Nagapattinam on July 30 called on CM Edappadi K Palaniswami in Chennai on Wednesday to thank him on his appointment as party district secretary. Two MPs, who took part in the event, tested positive later. Manian tested negative.

CM Palaniswami left for Salem on Wednesday on a twoday visit to Dindigul, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts for Covid review . It has all indications of a pre-poll campaign. His itinerary includes meetings with farmers, industrialists and self-help groups. But his associates defend his programmes. “A responsive government should be reaching out to the people. Every official who attends the meeting of the chief minister gets tested,” said a close-aide.

“This is sheer politics. When the government has set up online facilities in each district, what is the need for the ministers and chief minister to go around, flouting all Covid protocols?” said Congress leader Peter Alphonse.

(With inputs from J Shanmughasundaram)