Now, Congress MLA grooves sans mask

Ajay Joshi

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, April 25

Even as the state grapples with increasing number of Covid-19 cases, a video of Congress’ Phagwara MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal has gone viral on the social media wherein he is seen dancing sans a facemask at a wedding.

Flouting the social distancing norms, the MLA is seen grooving surrounded by two dozen friends and relatives. None of them is wearing a mask. Some other local leaders are also seen in the video.

The government order banning mass gatherings too was flouted as more than 20 attendees are visible in the video.

As per sources, it was the marriage function of Phagwara former councillor Davinder Sapra’s daughter.

The 40-second video clip has drawn sharp criticism from locals and social media users. Though the organisers claimed it was a family function with a limited gathering and all Covid-19 rules were strictly followed, the video suggests otherwise.

In a similar incident last year, then SSP Navjot Singh Mahal tested positive a day after he attended the wedding of senior Congress leader Avtar Henry’s daughter. The event was attended by MLAs, bureaucrats and many eminent officials of the district.

Dhaliwal could not be contacted for comment. Kapurthala District Commissioner Deepti Uppal said no complaint had been filed against the organisers and the police were verifying whether permission was sought for the gathering.