Bengaluru: 'Being minister, I am exempted' - Sadananda Gowda skips hotel quarantine, to stay home


Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SHP)

Bengaluru, May 25: After flying from Delhi to Bengaluru on Monday, May 25, union minister and BJP MP D V Sadananda Gowda was allowed to skip institutional quarantine in a hotel and opt for home quarantine.

Soon after the minister's flight landed, he took off in his private car. Meanwhile, his assistant told reporters that Gowda had tested negative for the virus and thereby was allowed to do home quarantine.

Speaking to the media later, Gowda maintained that the quarantine guidelines were exempted for him as he is a minister, whereas the rules are applicable to other citizens.

“Being a minister, I am exempted by the state government and the central government so I do not see the issue,” he said, adding that he also has the government’s contract-tracing app Aarogya Setu on his phone.

Gowda happens to head the Centre’s pharmaceutical department, which makes him responsible to ensure smooth flow of medicines. “If I do not supply medicines, then the cases will double,” Gowda said, clarifying his stance.

He also compared the situation to quarantine of doctors fighting coronavirus on the frontlines. "To see the movement of medicines throughout the country is my responsibility. If doctors are quarantined, if people who supply medicines are quarantined, how will we beat coronavirus," he said.

Following the resumption of domestic air travel, the Karnataka government mandated seven days of institutional quarantine and seven days of home quarantine for all domestic air passengers. The rule is applicable to all those who arrive from high-risk states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

However, the rules are relaxed for those flying for emergency reasons, including a special case for businessmen coming for urgent work.

The guidelines state that the businessmen are allowed to avoid institutional quarantine if they bring a negative test report from a lab accredited by the Indian Council of Medical Research. The test report will be considered valid only when it has been conducted within two days of travel. In case the stay is longer than five days, the concerned individual will have to get examined again.

The guidelines do not specify if the exemptions apply to ministers. According to sources, several union ministers got tested for the novel coronavirus on Sunday before flight services were to resume.

  

Top Stories

Comment on this article

  • smr, Karkala

    Tue, May 26 2020

    The Karnataka quarantining rules do not mention any exceptions for ministers.

    Among those allowed to skip institutional quarantine are businessmen “coming for urgent work,” and bidders “coming to participate in auctions if perishable agricultural commodities”. They need to carry negative COVID-19 test reports not older than two days from the date of travel from an ICMR approved lab.

    The rules mention that even defence, paramilitary, railways, DRDO, ISRO, and PSU officials are to undergo institutional quarantine at designated guest houses.

    The Minister is not only violating the government guidelines he is misusing the official portfolio and risking others lives.
    Jai Hind

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mubashir, Kuwait/Kannur Kerala

    Tue, May 26 2020

    Some of them always think they are not infected

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nayakjee, Gujjadi, Kundapura, Udupi

    Tue, May 26 2020

    And some of them think they are above the law of the land.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • roshan, belthangady

    Tue, May 26 2020

    "If I do not supply medicines, then the cases will double" sheer arrogance..i beg people to think deep not just carried away during elections..Our foolishness is their only hope for survival.. and all politicians from all parties are collectively increasing our foolishness through news and media..Oh God save us..

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Akash salian, Mangalore /Dubai

    Tue, May 26 2020

    My beloved India aparted into 2 pats.
    One is politicians india
    Another is common men India.... Incredible

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kiran, Mangalore

    Tue, May 26 2020

    He just saved few lac rupees of our tax money by not staying at hotel. Had he stayed at hotel, all his expenses would have been paid by govt which is public money. Also he just posed risk to his family members by choosing to stay at home. Remember CORONA does not differentiate between common people and minister.

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alex Correa, Shirva/Dubai

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Poor moneyless people were forced to hotels
    This is INDIA .Who voted these people .Why crying now.Let them enjoy because you elected them. Jai Hind

    DisAgree [5] Agree [64] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rocky, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Dont give him hotel give him hostel let him be thr 😄

    DisAgree [3] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • AMAR NATHAL, MANGALORE

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Just listen: If I do not supply medicines, then the cases will double,-- Gowda said, clarifying his stance.
    He is a medicine supplier. So, leave him alone.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Chandu, Karla

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Our rule of law and democracy is nothing but a joke. All the rules and regulations apply only to common citizens and poor helpless people and not to the rich and powerful.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [74] Reply Report Abuse

  • Laxman, Mangaluru

    Mon, May 25 2020

    ಜಂಬ ಕೊಚ್ಚಿದ ಉತ್ತರ ಕುಮಾರ

    DisAgree [1] Agree [62] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rathnakara A, Shirva

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Doctors, pilots, air hostess, nurses, ministers can’t be subjected to normal quarantine rules. Being a union minister he may have to travel various states. So it is common sense.

    DisAgree [102] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Magalorean, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Looks like you have no common sense. Corona doesn't distinguish between ministers n common man when infecting

    DisAgree [4] Agree [77] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pinto, MANGALORE

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Mr rathnakara

    Even we medical professionals have to stay in the government quarantine centre.. we are not allowed to stay at home.. get ur facts right

    This is corona not kareena to sit and home and enjoy...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jhon, Doha

    Tue, May 26 2020

    Without knowledge don't write,All the crew and pilots have to saty at home after operating 1 flight, example Qatar Airways,we send eveyday around 3k meals to captains and cabin crew.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pinto, MANGALORE

    Tue, May 26 2020

    If we are working with covid patients or if any patient from our phc area tests positive we have to stay in government quarantine centres... We are provided food . But we cannot go home ..

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • MIA, MIA

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Ministers above the law? Does Corona only effect Non Ministers?

    DisAgree [4] Agree [78] Reply Report Abuse

  • Monty Dotor, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Vinashakaale viparita buddhi!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [69] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rational thinker, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    It's our own fault, we can't blame the politicians.
    Only in India we treat politicians as kings and royals whereas they are supposed to be at the service of common citizens or the voters.
    They visit us only once in five years only to ask for our votes (they also might give notes, it's a different story altogether)
    After that for the next five years we are at their mercy and worship them.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [69] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gangaram, Moodbidri

    Mon, May 25 2020

    I am a minister!!! and he forgot who made him minister and that citizen has to be i quarantine......

    DisAgree [6] Agree [92] Reply Report Abuse

  • GURKA, MANGALURU

    Mon, May 25 2020

    See that attitude ! I AM MINISTER ! which says he is not elected member as he owes from his forefathers kingdom !

    DisAgree [4] Agree [91] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rakesh, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Good joke this is .. Corona said he will not attack Minister of India. Gowda got this confirmation from Corona itself. Gowda where ever you stay be healthy and keep other healthy

    DisAgree [4] Agree [81] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan Rodrigues, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ಸ್ಮೈಲ್ ಗೌಡ
    ಸ್ಮೈಲ್ ನಿಂದ ಮೋಡಿ ಮಾಡಲು ವಿಫಲ
    ಹೇಗೆ ಗುರು ಹಾಗೆ ಶಿಶ್ಯ
    ಕಾನೂನು ಕೇವಲ ಜನತೆಗೆ

    DisAgree Agree [62] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan, Mangaluru

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Mera desh badalraha heyyyyy... laws are meant to be broken ..this is how our india is transforming .....

    DisAgree [2] Agree [66] Reply Report Abuse

  • RkR, Mangalore/ Dubai

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Lawyer n lawmaker - no common man can defeat him.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [45] Reply Report Abuse

  • GURKA, MANGALURU

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Sir you people are exempted from everything ! even you can support to flee the bank defaulters and make TAMASAHA in the parliament by blaming each other political parties !! better you stay at home that is good for you as you are good for nothing !! another OSCAR of BJPeeeee !! good for you sir !! stay at home by that you can save the public money !! CORONA stopped foreign tours and saved CRORES OF MONEY of TAX PAYER thank you CORONA !!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [76] Reply Report Abuse

  • Krishna, Udupi

    Mon, May 25 2020

    We know u r not a common man but a MINISTER, YOU but does corona know???

    Britain PM was not only minister but he is Prime Minister still he was positive week ago...

    DisAgree [4] Agree [81] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sunil K, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Isn't he the same minister who was forcing a hospital here to accept old notes just after the demonetization period in payment of a bill for his own relative ? Hospitals weren't exempt and BJP High Command faced embarrassment then.

    Meanwhile PM Modi recently broke his own covid rule by offering and shaking hands with CM Biju Paknaik. So, looks like rules don't apply to politicians - has anyone sent a memo to the virus to stay away from them ?

    DisAgree [4] Agree [67] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alwin, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    He was a chief minister ,law minister,practical lawyer and a politician. He can produce documents at airports with regard to law and notifications.question is how home contains commence. As a minister why should he has to go quarantine at home in Mangalore.Is it rules for republic of minister separate to that of common citizens.why he isn't discussing with chief minister of country and can have internet conference.Is not creating fear where he stays.The district administration must clarify for knowledge of public

    DisAgree [2] Agree [45] Reply Report Abuse

  • H. Almeida., Bendur/Andheri

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Is the PM Modiji, aware that his Union minister, has violated the tenet of laws ??? Or does he validate the concept of two laws, one for the suffering citizens and the other for the rich n the powerful ??? Earlier the Ex- PM had flouted laws with impunity, by brazenly conducting the marriage of his grandson n in another violation in my state of Maharashtra, the Mahaghatbandan issued VVIP passes to Wadhawan to gallavant with his entire family entourage to a Mahableswar !!!!

    DisAgree [7] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sunil K, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Few days back PM Modi flouted his own covid rule by offering and then shaking hands with Odisha CM Biju Patnaik. If the big fish gets away with it, then the smaller fish ....

    DisAgree [5] Agree [63] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ajay Rebello, Kallianpur

    Mon, May 25 2020

    CM Yogi has the distinction of being the first person to violate lockdown by offering puja at temple on first day of lockdown

    DisAgree [2] Agree [53] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dexter, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Good you reminded us that you are a minister and not a common citizen. We will wait for you at the time of elections then. You must be the one carrying and transporting medications to all locations in India.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [57] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sunil, Mumbai

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Seeing the Position of Mr.Gowda we cannot blame him he is Minister not a common man..

    DisAgree [58] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • SATHISH, udupi

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Yes.Minister.Not KING!..

    DisAgree [5] Agree [49] Reply Report Abuse

  • Being hunan, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Ministers and bhakts dont get Corona virus?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sahil, Mangaluru

    Mon, May 25 2020

    No one exempted from on certain day an end of life journey.. Little, early little late....

    DisAgree [4] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sathish, Udupi

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Wow..Ministers are excempt from quarantine!.Corona won't touch them...Mr.Giwda wants to discuss COVID with state government..Why not online?mobile?..pure hypocracy..Politicians think they can manage any situation by just talking or giving speeches..

    If Govt respects rule of the Law he should be quarantined like any other.This is disrespect to all Kannadigas Mr.Sadananda Gowda..Nothing is more important than human lives.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [56] Reply Report Abuse

  • Langoolacharya., Belman / Washington, DC.

    Mon, May 25 2020

    People,

    When I was saying those who found negative in COVID-19 test at Dubai....should be allowed to go for Home Quarantine from Mangalore Airport....BJP supporters like Raj, Karkala , Prabhu . Karkala were jumping on me like 'Jumping Jacks'... Saying hibernation period for COVID-19 is 14 days....Positive or Negative they must stay in Hotel Quarantine for 14 days....

    Where are they hiding now???...

    Our politicians make rules for others not for themselves....SHAME on the voters who vote for these 'Nakli Shyama's' ....

    CONgress was doing this before...now BJPee... is doing...Absolutely NO difference between two....none whatsoever...

    ...Tak...Takk...

    DisAgree [10] Agree [93] Reply Report Abuse

  • GANESH, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    I think law is only for poor labours who travel 1000 km by walk

    DisAgree [7] Agree [72] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Let him sit Permanently at Home ...

    DisAgree [4] Agree [86] Reply Report Abuse

  • SJM, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    One of regular Maha Bakth is silent on this issue.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gopala, UK

    Mon, May 25 2020

    If Gowda is a minister in my government than we all the Kings of India. We selected and sent him as our representative he is our servant. By this theory, we too should not have the quarantine.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [75] Reply Report Abuse

  • AD, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Didn't you guys know that Indian ministers are exempted by Corona Virus!!!

    DisAgree [4] Agree [67] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anticorrupt, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Ministers are exempted from stacking black money and filing income tax too.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [63] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mangalurian, Mangaluru

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Ministers and the top-level aids to the PM/President etc around the world have resigned after violating rules.

    This man has violated rules.

    India will remain a 4th world country this way.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • True Mlorean, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Ok, I think Corona told him that it would excempt him 😂

    DisAgree [2] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prakash, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    MP D V Sadananda Gowda violated the rules. He should be sent to wenlock hospital 14 days in quarantine center.
    Rules are equal every Indian citizens.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [98] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lawrence Lobo, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    This shows how honest he is.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [59] Reply Report Abuse

  • Clifford, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    He is above the law like all BJP leaders who can get away with murder. He has a cheek to say that publicly.

    DisAgree Agree [56] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohammed, India

    Mon, May 25 2020

    They get salary from public tax money and they rule on public.. police, politicians and court are fooling people in the name of law..

    DisAgree Agree [65] Reply Report Abuse

  • Francis Lewis, Sastan

    Mon, May 25 2020

    If DVS not qurantine immediately don't pay any Salary and other allowance which he is eligible for

    DisAgree Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • francis lobo, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    If he is supposed to supply medicines then he can do it from Delhi also . Why come to Bangalore after so many days and that also in the first flight. Delhi is a better place for communication with PM,HM and MOH

    DisAgree Agree [55] Reply Report Abuse

  • Manoj, Dubai /mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Just look at Kerala Govt. What they are doing for their people. How many flight scheduled so far and only 2 flights from dubai to Mangaluru so far. Just you guys burden on earth as a leader. Not doing anything from from their heart. Public have to pressurize. Only your pockets should be full and your family should be safe. Public gayi bhaad mein.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [67] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ashok, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    BJP ministers have different rules for them either in quarantine, corruption, freedom of speech or scams. They have their own definition about migrant laboures, farmers, poor people, daily wage earners. They have no problem in taking help Congress MLAs to grab the power but have problem with Congress buses. These jokers are a joke to democracy.

    DisAgree Agree [61] Reply Report Abuse

  • Harminder, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Mon, May 25 2020

    The court verdict that prompted Indira Gandhi to declare emergency. Iron Lady even challenged Supreme Court.

    DisAgree [14] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • SJM, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    This is called disparity . In his this case if any opposition MLA/ MP would have in this situation ?
    It's really a shameful.......

    DisAgree [2] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • Satish, Shirva, Udupi

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Even Minister's family members are exempted ?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [50] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jeevan, Mangalore/sharjah

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Rules are same for everyone. Go for quarantine and experience the merits and demerits of quarantine facilities which is arranged by Govt. You can come up with new ideas or betterment.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • Deshbhakht, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    These ministers are having multiple houses. Since quarantine requires a stay separated from others (including family members), people who are having more than one house can use one designated house for their lone stay. I am sure this can be applied to common people too, no necessarily to Minister. Yes, the Minister is 'on call' always, hence confining him to a hotel is not appropriate.

    Strict quarantine is mandatory to NRIs or others arriving into the country/state because no matter what they will mingle with other members of their family. You can't expect them to be as responsible as a Minister. After all, the quarantine is a discipline imposed because of Covid-19, not a punishment.

    DisAgree [61] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ashwin, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Okey, ministers are on call?? wow... bhakth...sorry deshbhakth I mean. i thought it is doctors who should be on call but they are quarantined.
    On what basis you're claiming that individuals can't have strict home quarantine, it is up to the individuals. If they are fake individuals, then you cant believe them and fake is getting more common now.
    If you're terming what the h--l the PM is talking about digital India, the government is advising to work from home. He can't work from hotel room for a couple of days, and you're justifying it? In other countries, the rules are for everyone, ministers are not exempted. if your theory is right, then they should allow common man to have home quarantine as well.
    I think the bottom line is, you have to remove Desh from your handle in DW comments and leave bhakth only, that would be more suitable.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [55] Reply Report Abuse

  • JAMAL YUSUF, Mumbai/Doha

    Mon, May 25 2020

    He has set a classic example of BJP's boss giri... rudeness, ego and arrogance....

    DisAgree Agree [51] Reply Report Abuse

  • Maria D'Souza, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Rules must be same for all. Y he is exempted? Compulsory quarantine must be imposed on him as well

    DisAgree [9] Agree [114] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ganesh Kumar, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Money speaks everything.....

    DisAgree [7] Agree [56] Reply Report Abuse

  • Harminder, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Former Mahrashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan having Carona Positive. Where he his at home or quarantined in the hospital. Short of places to quarantine as such here after reduced from 7 days to 2 days. Rest of 12 days at there home quarantined.

    DisAgree [45] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Harminder, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Kiran Bedi stopped Late Indira Gandhi's car for violating rules and fined accordingly.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • Desmond, Mangalore

    Mon, May 25 2020

    Thats the biggest lie we wrre al told .......we are not equal in the eyes of the law and the constitution

    DisAgree [1] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse


Leave a Comment

Title: Bengaluru: 'Being minister, I am exempted' - Sadananda Gowda skips hotel quarantine, to stay home



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.