COVID-19 Guidelines Violation: BJD Calls Aparajita Sarangi A Habitual Offender

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi has again landed in COVID-19 guidelines violation soup.

The parliamentarian was seen throwing social distancing norms to the wind during the earth-breaking ceremony for a flyover project at Hanspal in Odisha capital on Monday. This time, however, she remembered to put on the mask.

Describing the BJP leader a habitual offender, BJD leader Dr Sasmit Patra said, “Aparajita Sarangi has been regularly violating the COVID instructions provided by the Centre and the State. She is setting a bad example before the people despite being an elected public representative.”

On June 3, Aparajita along with 20 other BJP workers were fined Rs 300 each for not wearing masks (Rs 100) and defying social distancing norms (Rs 200) during a political congregation.

She had later tweeted, “Under very special circumstances, I went to the residence of Sri Jagannath Pradhan, BJP leader, yesterday. I fully appreciate & respect people’s concern regarding adherence to COVID19 norms. It is a good sign. Acknowledging my duty, I have volunteered to pay the fine due.”

The BJD leader said that the MP had then accepted that she had made a mistake. “The BJP also said it was sad. But she continued violating the COVID instructions,” he said.

Patra requested her to follow the COVID instructions and not set a bad example for the people of Odisha.

The MP was also trolled on social media for violating the social distancing norms after pictures of the event went viral.