Follow Covid guidelines or adjourn Bharat Jodo Yatra, writes Health Minister Mandaviya; Congress responds

In view of the sudden rise in Covid-19 cases across some countries, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has requested Congress leaders to follow the guidelines or adjourn the Bharat Jodo Yatra. 

Mandaviya on Tuesday wrote to Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. This followed the letters written by some MPs from Rajasthan where they expressed concern over the spread of Covid infection because of non-adherence to the guidelines during the Yatra.

Emphasizing on the adherence to Covid protocols, the health minister said using masks, sanitizers and adopting other precautions was necessary.

"Covid guidelines should be strictly followed in the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' going on in Rajasthan. Masks and sanitizers should be used and it should be ensured that only people vaccinated against Covid take part in this yatra. Passengers should be isolated before and after joining the Yatra", said Mandaviya in the letters addressed to Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Gehlot.

Mandaviya further said in his letters to the two leaders, "If following the Covid-19 protocol is not possible, adjourn the Bharat Jodo Yatra seeing the Public Health Emergency and to save the nation from Covid pandemic."

Meanwhile, Health Minister was also chairing a high-level meeting with the senior officials of his ministry to review the Covid situation in the country.

Congress Responds

The Congress on Wednesday reacted to Mandaviya's letter to Rahul Gandhi asking him to adjourn Bharat Jodo Yatra owing to fresh Covid cases. Congress leader Pawan Khera said the government can only see Rahul Gandhi and his Bharat Jodo Yatra but not the political rallies taken out by the BJP in Rajasthan and Karnataka.

Pawan Khera said, "Are you sending the same letter to Rajasthan BJP chief Satish Punia who is taking out Jan Aakrosh Yatra as we speak? Yes, we accept that there will not be any crowd at that rally. But are you taking similar action?"

"The health minister's letter cites another letter written by a BJP MP of Rajasthan. We understand that there is a huge response to Bharat Jodo Yatra and there is a lot of crowd. But are there any Covid rules? Today you go to any airport and nobody will ask you to wear a mask. Why has the government of India not introduced stringent measures in public transport applicable to each one of us. Why just Rahul Gandhi, Congress and the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Have they postponed Parliament? If physical Parliament, Jan Aakrosh Yatra can take place and wearing of a mask is not mandatory in air travel, why are you picking up on Rahul Gandhi?" Pawan Khera said.

"Please announce the Covid protocols and we will follow them," Khera said.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh added that the letter shows the double standards as there is no warning and no protocol announced. "The letter says since there is a spurt in cases, we should focus on genome sequencing. In this letter, there is no warning. But on the other hand, the health minister writes to Rahul Gandhi based on the letter of a BJP MP," Jairam Ramesh said.

(With inputs from IANS)