Suspend Bharat Jodo Yatra Or Follow Covid-19 Protocols: Centre To Cong

The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has urged Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to consider suspending the ongoing foot march Bharat Jodo Yatra or shall follow the Covid-19 protocols.  

Addressing his concerns in a letter written to Gandhi and Gehlot, the Health Minister said that the three MPs from Rajasthan namely, P P Chaudhary, Devji Patel and Nihal Chand have flagged their concerns related to the spread of Covid-19 infection and requested to mandate the use of face masks and hand sanitisers and only those should be allowed to take part in the Yatra who have taken the vaccination doses. 

In addition to this, the MPs also requested to ensure that the participants should isolate themselves before and after participating in the Yatra.

Mandaviya attached the MP's letter dated 20 December 2022 and urged Congress to address the concerns as it is a matter of national interest affecting public health. 

The MPs also mentioned the recent case of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu testing positive for Covid infection ahead of his meeting with the Prime Minister. Sukhu attended the Yatra a few days back. 

The MPs further claimed that people from outside the state are entering Rajasthan to participate in the Yatra and many have also shown Covid symptoms after their participation.