CHANDIGARH: Despite the central directive to conduct Bharat Jodo Yatra by following Covid norms in context of the spread of the Omicron BF-7 variant in several countries, Rahul Gandhi seems to have completely rejected it. During the ongoing march in Haryana, Rahul appeared without wearing a mask. Congress workers along with Rahul are also not ready to wear masks or maintain social distance. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandavya warned yesterday that if the Covid norms are not followed, the yatra will have to be stopped. In a letter, the centre said that mask and sanitizer should be mandatory and only those who have received the vaccine should participate in the yatra. The letter also adds that if the yatra can't follow these instructions, it should be postponed considering the health emergency.

But the Congress sees the letter as a move by the BJP and the central government to disrupt the yatra. Congress leader and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot says that if the health minister's concern is genuine, he should first send a letter to the prime minister. The Congress is also raising the question whether the Prime Minister followed the Covid norms during the Gujarat election road show. The party also points out that even the Parliament session is being held without the Covid norms. The Congress has also decided to strengthen the protest against the central move against Bharat Jodo Yatra. As part of this, the issue will be raised in Parliament today.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has convened a high-level meeting to assess the Covid situation in the country after the presence of Omicron BF-7, a rapidly spreading Covid variant, was confirmed in India. The Prime Minister is also likely to address the nation in view of the resurgence of Covid concerns.

The new variant was confirmed in a woman of Indian origin who arrived in Vadodara, Gujarat from the US, and a man who returned to Ahmedabad from abroad. The third patient is from Odisha. BF 7 is a subtype of Omicron B A 5. It is capable of strong infection and rapid spread. It can also cause disease in those who have received the vaccine.