[Watch] Covid Positive Odisha MLA Moves In Public; Administered Rs 1.22 Lakh Injection, Nothing To Fear, He Says

Bhubaneswar: A day after he and his wife tested positive for COVID-19, senior Congress leader Suresh Kumar Routray was seen visiting public places here on Thursday. That too, without wearing a proper mask.

Covering his face with only a ‘gamcha’ (traditional towel), the Jatani MLA was found sitting near Jaydev Bhawan here, addressing mediapersons from a distance.

When asked why he was moving in public, Routray said that there was no reason to fear as he had been administered injection costing Rs 1.22 lakh. The virus won’t spread but will go away henceforth, he added.

Routray said that his entire life has been spent in public but because of the pandemic and restrictions, people are being told to isolate themselves at home.

“I am here because I heard that the birth anniversary of eminent freedom fighter and the first Chief Minister of Odisha Harekrushna Mahatab will not be observed in the state this year on November 21. I came out to express my opposition to this,” the legislator said.

“Mahatab Jayanti is being observed in the state for years. The day will be commemorated till Congress party exists. This year, the party has planned various programmes, including a padayatra from PMG Square here, to mark the day,” he said.

On Wednesday, Routray and his wife Maani tested positive for COVID-19.