Srikalahasti YSRCP legislator Biyyapu Madhusudan Reddy has earned an epithet of ‘Super Spreader’ of Coronavirus for organizing programmes and mass gatherings with a large number of people to highlight the achievements of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. He was blamed for the abnormal spike in infections and deaths due to pandemic in Srikalahasti city in April-May this year.
However, these allegations have not deterred the MLA, known for his loyalty to party chief and its aggressive display, from carrying out his activities that expose people to the virus. His latest shenanigan during the launch of YSR Asara on September 11 again kicked up a controversy. In view of virus fears, all private and government programmes are being conducted with limited attendance of people. But throwing this norm to the winds, Madhusudan Reddy organized a large gathering to mark the launch of Aasara.
As if it is not enough, the MLA himself was seen dancing in the programme with school children mobilized for the event. Barring a few, none of the participants wore masks and maintained physical distance. As expected, this utter disregard for Covid-19 norms has drawn flak from people and opposition circles.
Tractor procession
During the initial days of pandemic and lockdown, Madhusudan Reddy organized huge programmes for distributing essentials to the poor who were deprived of incomes due to closures. Though this is a commendable initiative, a procession with hundreds of tractors adorned with flexis of donors to the state government’s Covid fund and participation of a huge number of people attracted severe criticism at that time. Later, several government officials as well as people were infected with the virus, prompting the government to declare Srikalahasti as a red zone. Following a barrage of criticism that his over enthusiasm and programmes led to the surge in cases, Madhusudan Reddy strenuously denied his role and asked whether it was wrong to help the poor.
Lokesh’s criticism
MLA and his wife were later diagnosed with Covid-19 and underwent treatment at Tirupati. After recovering from the disease, he again swung into action and carried on with activities which are seen violative of Covid norms. His latest YSR Asara programme is garnering criticism from various quarters. TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh lambasted the Srikalahasti MLA for dancing with schoolchildren at a political programme where masks were not worn and social distancing was not observed.
“No masks, no social distancing. At a time when the state is recording 10,000 cases daily, YSRCP MLAs are acting as super spreaders without shame,” fumed Lokesh in a Tweet. He lamented that Madhusudan Reddy has not learnt his lessons even after suffering from Covid.
The MLA may not fear Covid because he has already got infected, but he is putting others to risk by organizing mass gatherings without observing Covid protocols. Exposing people to virus in the name of government schemes is irresponsible.
