Watch: MP home minister refuses to wear mask; Is it for only common man asks Cong
New Delhi, Sep 24: When the entire country has been trying to follow basic norms to prevent the spread on COVID-19, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister and BJP leader Narottam Mishra seems to have thrown caution to the window.
Mishra on Wednesday caused a stir saying he doesn't wear a face mask in any programme.
However,
as
Congress
attacked
him,
the
minister
later
tempered
his
remarks,
saying
he
cannot
continue
to
wear
a
face
mask
for
a
long
time
due
to
a
medical
condition.
"I
don't
wear
a
mask
in
any
programmes.
'Isme
kya
hota
hai?'
(so
what)," the
home
minister
told
reporters
when
they
asked
him
why
he
was
not
wearing
a
mask
at
a
function
here.
#WATCH Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra says, "I don't wear it" when asked why is he not wearing a mask at an event in Indore. (23.09.2020) pic.twitter.com/vQRyNiG3ES
— ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2020
Mishra was seen without a mask at a programme in Indore which was organised for distribution of assistance under the state government's Sambal Yojana, which provides social security cover to the poor and the SC and ST communities.
Notably, Tulsiram Silawat and other BJP leaders, who also participated in the event, were seen wearing masks.
The state Congress launched a pointed attack, asking are COVID-19 norms meant only for the common people.
"Is there anyone who has the courage to take action against him (Mr Mishra). Are rules only for common people?" Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesman Narendra Saluja tweeted.
After coming under sharp criticism, the home minister tweaked his remarks and said, "I normally wear a mask but I can't sport it for a long time, as I am suffering from Polypus and if I wear a mask it leads to suffocation".
However, after getting flake the minister apologised later saying "My statement over wearing a mask appears to be a violation of law. It wasn't in line with sentiment of the PM. I accept my mistake and express regret. I'll wear mask. I also appeal to everyone to wear mask & observe social distancing."
Recommended Video
Indore is among the worst-hit districts in Madhya Pradesh which has reported 20,834 COVID-19 cases and 516 fatalities so far.