Bengaluru, Jun 3 (IANS): In complete violation of government norms in place to contain the spread of coronavirus, Karnataka Minister of Health and Family Welfare B Sriramulu took part in a mega rally organised to welcome him to Chitradurga district on Tuesday.
The minister's visit to Chitradurga district turned out to be controversial as the opposition Congress cited purported videos of him moving without a mask and physical distancing amid frenzied supporters.
"Minister of Health Sriramulu has violated the Central government's lockdown guidelines," a state Congress spokesperson said in a tweet.
He said multitudes of people moved around without a mask and physical distancing and questioned what former MP V.S. Ugrappa was doing when these violations were occurring.
In the viral videos which emerged on Tuesday, several Sriramulu supporters showered petals on him without wearing a mask and not maintaining physical distance.
Amid chants welcoming and praising the minister, a giant garland made of apples and other fruits was lowered around his head.
Donning a white robe and an orange scarf, the minister waved at his supporters, and acknowledged their cheers.
Incidentally, on Tuesday morning, Sriramulu tweeted: "It is our duty and responsibility to wear masks in public places.
In his visit to the district, the minister also visited Chitradurga Periyeri Datta Peetha Math.