A day after cancelling all political programmes in view of the coronavirus outbreak, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav appealed to the people to stay with their families to check the spread of the deadly virus that has so far affected 23 people, including a foreigner, in Uttar Pradesh.
Akhilesh Yadav, however, lashed out at the Yogi Adityanath government, accusing it of being insensitive to the epidemic and ignoring the directives issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also charged that the state government was maintaining double standards in implementing measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
“Today I want to tell my party workers and people of the state that treatment of Covid-19 is the job of a doctor but checking its spread is our responsibility. Visit a doctor immediately for testing if you spot symptoms of Covid-19 in yourself, family or neighbourhood. Remain clean, don’t meet others and also check spread of rumours through WhatsApp and other media,” the SP chief said.
Akhilesh further said, “Remain with your family and be positive and assume that for the first time there is a summer vacation and you are at home.”
“In view of the spread of coronavirus, I appeal to party workers to remain at their homes and remain connected through phones with others and provide them necessary help. All programmes will be held after Navratra (starting March 25). The Cycle Yatra proposed on March 23 has also been cancelled,” he said.
However, when asked about the protest against Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the SP chief said, “The issue is more serious than coronavirus. This hatred being spread by the BJP is also a very serious disease. I appeal to protesters to take preventive measures.”
Akhilesh also lashed out at the Yogi government for its failure to implement measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
“A former chief minister of the BJP, ministers and people holding high offices in the government were attending lavish parties where singer Kanika Kapoor, who has tested positive for coronavirus infection, was also present. The behaviour of the high and mighty is highly condemnable in view of the pandemic,’’ the SP chief said.