CG minister flouted lockdown norms: BJP; seeks filing of case
The minister, however, has refuted the charges byterming them as "baseless".
"At a time when people are being asked to stay indoorsand not to step out unnecessarily to prevent the spread ofcoronavirus, state minister Kawasi Lakhma made a surprisevisit to Raigarh town on Saturday," said Gomti Sai, BJP MPfrom Raigarh on Sunday.
Without informing anyone, the minister travelled forabout 250 kms from Raipur to Raigarh by road and returned onSunday morning, she alleged.
"Neither was he seen wearing a face mask nor hefollowed social distancing protocol," Sai claimed.
Moreover, a three-star hotel which was shut due to thelockdown was opened for the minister's stay, the MP alleged.
"The minister even met with an MLA of his party, theMayor, the party workers and a few media persons in violationof prohibitory orders," she said.
Sai demanded that the minister be booked for violatingthe prohibitory orders which are in place in the light of thenational lockdown.
Talking to reporters on Saturday evening in Raigarh,Lakhma had said, "I was tired of sitting in Raipur. So I camehere by travelling overnight. I will visit a Mahatma (saint)here and return".
On prospects of resumption of the liquor sale inChhattisgarh, the minister had said that the government wastaking steps carefully.
"This government is of common man and we are not in ahurry in taking any decision which will harm their safety.Lives of the people are more important, not the revenue," hehad said.
When contacted on Sunday, the minister deniedviolating the lockdown restrictions.
"I was on a secret tour to Mahasamund and Raigarhdistricts. I got inputs about the sale of illegal liquor inthese districts which share borders with Odisha, so I decidedto make a surprise visit to check whether a proper vigil isbeing maintained by district and police administration thereor not," he said.
"I did not hold any meetings or attend any programmesduring my tour. Upon reaching Raigarh, I was aware thatgovernment rest houses were shut so I sought help from myfriend who arranged my stay in a lodge.
"There, I met only with three persons including alocal MLA, who reached there on their own as nobody was awareabout my visit. Later, some reporters also reached there andmet me," he said.
Since a "mahatma" was also staying in the town and Ithought I would meet him, but due to the lockdown, he alsorefused to meet me and then I returned, Lakhma said. CORRTKPNSK NSK