Birthday parties, haldi-kumkums, sports events organised with abandon even as cases rise again and the CM urges cautions
Harshala More presents a gift to a woman at a gathering of women
COVID-19 cases in the city have been surging again, and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has urged leaders and people to avoid public gatherings. But political leaders appear to not heed any rules and continue to celebrate birthdays, religious ceremonies and sports events with no regard to safety. In pictures taken over seven days, politicians appear to be attending events without physical distancing or masks.
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When questioned about it, some of them said they removed the masks only for a picture or two. Here are some instances from the past week.
Harshala Ashish More and Vasant Nakashe (G/North)
Harshala More gives a gift to a woman during the haldi-kumkum event attended by many
The Shiv Sena corporators had arranged a massive haldi-kumkum programme for women in their constituency on February 18. More uploading the pictures of the event where hundreds of women sat closely. Nakashe and More’s constituency falls in Dharavi area, where the outbreak was handled well. Nakashe said, “We did arrange such an event but we followed COVID-19 protocols. In fact, we distributed masks. Now we have stopped the events.”
Sufiyan Vanu (F/North)
Sufiyan Vanu (in white, centre) in multiple pictures, holding an iron rod along with other people
Known for development works in his constituency, Sufiyan Vanu of Congress, kick-started projects during the pandemic as well. The corporator posted several images of the inauguration of projects in his constituency. Residents are seen around him without masks and physical distancing. Asked about it, Sufiyan said, “I accept that there has been a mistake from my end, we did some inaugurations when there were no cases but now I have stopped it completely.”
Yamini Jadhav, Shiv Sena MLA
Yamini Jadhav surrounded by a group of people
MLA from Byculla constituency, Jadhav was seen attending a tug of war event at Chinchpokli on February 20 and 21. Jadhav handed over the trophy to the winning team. The event was attended by over 100 youngsters, a few of them were wearing masks. Jadhav could not be reached for a comment.
Advocate Santosh Kharat (G/South)
Advocate Santosh Kharat (in kurta) surrounded by a cricket team
The Shiv Sena corporator attended at cricket tournament at BDD chawl no. 103 on Sunday, February 20 morning. A maskless Kharat handed over trophies to the winners amid no social distancing. Kharat told mid-day, “I did attend the event, but I took out the mask just to take pictures. When you don’t do it, youngsters get upset. As corporators, we are already spreading awareness about the pandemic, but you can’t disregard our work by judging a single moment.”
Mangesh Satamkar (F/North) and Ramdas Kamble (F/North)
Mangesh Satamkar with party workers (first from left)
Ramdas Kamble, a Shiv Sena corporator had arranged a meeting of Yuva Sena office-bearers in his constituency. Mangesh Satamkar, a senior corporator for 26 years, attended the meeting on the night of February 22. Asked whether it was appropriate to hold a meeting amid a pandemic, Satamkar replied, “I did not organise it, I had gone to visit Kamble’s shakha where a few party workers greeted me and sought some guidance. I am aware of the pandemic and taking necessary steps accordingly.”
Charan Singh Sapra, working president and spokesperson for Congress
Charan Singh Sapra (third from right) at the birthday party of Vitthal Satpute. Satpute’s name is seen on the poster behind
The national spokesperson for Congress was seen celebrating the birthday of Vitthal Satpute, a Congress leader, at a ground in Mulund Colony on the night of February 23. Hundreds of party workers had gathered for the celebration. Former MP and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Dina Patil, too, was present. Sapra himself was seen without a mask. Sapra could not be reached for comment.
Brian Miranda, Congress leader
Brian Miranda celebrating his birthday with friends and associates
Brian Miranda, ex-Congress corporator and the husband of current Corporator Advocate Tulip Miranda from Kalina, was seen celebrating his birthday with friends and associates. His associates were seen without masks or physical distancing. Miranda told mid-day, “There was no party as such. Few of my associates had dropped by to show love and affection on my birthday on the night of February 22. During such moments, you can’t always keep an eye or make them follow restrictions.”
Feb 18
Day Harshala More, Vasant Nakashe held a function
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