PANAJI
Noting the upsurge in the number of Covid cases in Goa, the Aam Aadmi Party on Monday questioned Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s attempts to control the spread of the infection and said that his reaction is not befitting a person who belongs to the medical profession.
AAP Goa Convener Rahul Mhambre said that the government continues to be fast asleep even as casinos, pubs, trade fairs and late night parties violate Section 144. He asked why no restrictions were imposed on the public gatherings at these spots while welcoming stringent restrictions on gatherings for religious festivals such as holi, Shab-e-Barat and Easter.
“It is not understood why there are restrictions on religious programmes but no restrictions at all for commercial ventures,” Mhambre said while wondering whether the organizers of the commercial programmes have also filled up the pockets of the administration.
The AAP convenor urged the government to insist on a Covid negative certificate from all people visiting Goa from any place in the world.
He also mocked the imposition of Section 144 as it is being treated as a joke. “Gatherings of more than four people can be seen at every city corner and market place and in such a situation, how can there be imposition of Section 144?,” Mhambre questioned while pointing out that several villages even convened gram sabhas on Sunday in total violation of Section 144.
“It is very clear that the Sawant-led government is not at all bothered about the rising Covid cases or about maintaining the Covid safety protocol. It is only interested in furthering the business interest of the casino lobby which has already been given huge tax benefits earlier,” Mhambre alleged.
