Punjab is witnessing an alarming increase in the number of coronavirus cases with each passing day. Not only layman, but politicians are also contracting the infection.
According to the sources, of 117 MLAs of Punjab, 23 have tested positive for the novel coronavirus ahead of Assembly Session of August 28.
While three Cabinet ministers had tested positive earlier (other than Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, who after recovering tested negative today), the remaining lawmakers tested positive this week. Some of them had undertaken the test yesterday and today as it is mandatory to have a Covid negative report before attending the session, scheduled for August 28.
Notably, three Aam Aadmi Party MLAs, six from Akali Dal and remaining from the Congress have tested positive. Even though the others have tested negative, they will be seated while maintaining social distancing norms, officials of the Vidhan Sabha said.
Reportedly, test reports of other MLAs are awaited.
List of MLAs who tested positive for Covid
Congress
1. Gurpreet Kangar
2. Sukhjinder Randhawa
3. Sham Sunder Arora
4. Hardial Kamboj
5. Madan Lal Jalalpur
6. Ajaib Singh Bhatti
7. Dr. Dharamvir Agnihotri
8. Amit Vij
9. Harjot Kamal
10. Amrik Singh Dhillon
11. Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal
12. Pargat Singh
13. Sanjeev Talwar
14. Nazar Singh Manshahia
Shiromani Akali Dal
1. Manpreet Singh Ayali
2. NK Sharma
3. Rozy Barkandi
4. Gurpartap Singh Wadala
5. Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal
6. Harinderpal Singh Chandumajra
Aam Aadmi Party
1. Manjit Singh Bilaspur
2. Kulwant Singh Pandori
Interestingly, the legislative party meetings of both Aam Aadmi Party and Shiromani Akali Dal were held yesterday, where MLAs who have been found positive for COVID-19 were present. As per the protocol of the Health Department, the contacts of a COVID positive MLA will have to self-quarantine for five days. As a result, only two MLAs from AAP, who could not attend the meeting yesterday, will be allowed to attend the session on Friday, while none from the Akali Dal can attend the session.
The session has been called as it is a constitutional requirement to call a session within six months of the previous session. Important ordinances passed by the state government, including amendments in GST, Punjab Clinical Establishment Ordinance, and Punjab Good Conduct Prisoners Rules. A motion rejecting the three farm ordinances moved by the Centre is also expected to be passed in the House.