Minister Umesh Katti shuns mask at public function

Belagavi: At a time when health authorities and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, are exhorting people to wear masks, a minister in Belagavi not only flouted the rule but also defended his act by quoting from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech on Tuesday.

Forest Minister Umesh Katti attended the function organised by his department without wearing a mask. When reporters brought this to his attention, Umesh said: "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that there will be no restrictions on anyone and wearing of mask is left to one's responsibility. It is left to the discretion of an individual."

Umesh Katti further stated that, "It has been left to the discretion of an individual to wear a mask. I don't feel like wearing it so I have not," he maintained.

Meanwhile, the video of Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly Anand Mamani celebrating his birthday throwing all restrictions to the wind surfaced on Tuesday causing embarrassment to the ruling BJP in the State.

Anand Mamani, who is BJP MLA from Savadatti constituency in Belagavi district, is seen celebrating his birthday with hundreds of party workers. Neither the party workers nor the Deputy Speaker are seen wearing masks or maintaining social distance. The birthday function was organised at his residence in Savadatti town.