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NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Monday, 6 April, asked who gave permission for the religious congregation of Tablighi Jamaat at Nizamuddin in New Delhi, which has emerged as one of the major coronavirus hotspots in the country.
He also demanded a financial package from the Centre for Maharashtra in view of the state’s economy being affected by the lockdown, and expressed concern over fake and misleading messages related to coronavirus circulating on social media.
The NCP chief also asked people to maintain a “scientific temperament” during the lockdown and follow social distancing to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Referring to the issue of the Nizamuddin religious event, he said two large gatherings were earlier proposed in Maharashtra - one near Mumbai and another in Solapur district.
Permission for the gathering near Mumbai was denied in advance, while police took stern action against the Solapur event (organisers) for violating the state advisory, he said.
The former Union minister also took a dim view of the media hype over the Nizamuddin event.
So far, more than 400 COVID-19 cases and about 15 deaths in the country have been found to be linked to the religious congregation held at the Nizamuddin headquarters of the Tablighi Jamaat last month.
Thousands of people participated in the religious congregation in Nizamuddin last month, after which many of the attendees travelled to various parts of the country.
Pawar also expressed concern over fake messages related to coronavirus being posted on social media.
Some people are trying to confuse citizens by circulating such messages, he added.
On challenges before Maharashtra, the 79-year-old Maratha strongman said that the Centre needs to provide a financial aid to the state.
Pawar also said the financial package should include assistance for farmers as well.
The ongoing battle against coronavirus could be won only if people stay at home and follow the social distancing guidelines, he added.
(The article has been published in arrangement with PTI)
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