Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/MS)

Udupi, Apr 17: MLA Raghupati Bhat expressed disappointment at the decision of the state government to impose ban on religious programmes in the wake of increasing cases of coronavirus in the state.

Speaking to media, Bhat said on Saturday April 17, "This is not the right decision. This will hurt the feelings of the citizens of undivided district of Dakshina Kannada. There was no need for relaxation for political programmes? Religious programmes are more important than political ones. The government has to withdraw the ban immediately.

"There is no need of lockdown in Udupi. Night curfew is not required at all. The government has to withdraw it immediately. Religious programmes should be allowed. They are inevitable. People of certain profession earn income only during this time of the year. They manage their whole year by the income which they get during these months.

"What is important is to avoid crowding and wearing face mask. There are many Covid medicine facilities in the district. There is no cause for concern. Petty traders are just recovering from the jolt of first lockdown. If further lockdown is imposed, people will die not of corona but because of lockdown.

"People have to be alert and protect themselves. Those who have symptoms of infection should not delay in getting to the hospital. Even if there is a slight symptom, they should get themselves tested.

"If lockdown needs to be done, let it be down once for all. But if it is done there is no meaning for it. Covid is controlled in excellent manner in Udupi. The way infection was contained in MIT is an example of how Covid spreading needs to be managed. That is why the cases became zero within no time,” he said.