"Covid Numbers Created": Karnataka Congress Leader Defends Padayatra
NDTV
DK Shivakumar denied his Congress colleagues were infected due to the campaign, during which thousands of workers were seen marching without masks or distancing.
Hours after Karnataka Congress leaders called off a padayatra that appeared to defy Covid rules, its state chief DK Shivakumar defended the campaign, calling the virus case numbers "created".
The Congress march, widely condemned at a time Covid cases are rising, was finally put on hold on its fifth day after five leaders, including Veerappa Moily and Mallikarjun Kharge, tested positive.
DK Shivakumar, who organised the Congress march, said he followed his party's decision even though he did not agree with it. He also denied that his colleagues were infected because of the campaign, during which thousands of workers were seen marching without masks or distancing.
"These numbers are all created," Mr Shivakumar said, asserting that neither Mr Moily nor Mr Kharge were part of his padayatra.
