Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari plays cricket amid lockdown, claims he followed all social distancing measures

The coronavirus outbreak in the country has left India in a lurch. Over the course of a couple of months, India has registered over 1 lakh coronavirus cases. With over 4,000 deaths, India is among the Top-10 worst-affected coronavirus countries.

To tackle the pandemic, the country is currently under the fourth phase of the national lockdown. Considering the recent spike in positive cases, the possibility of lifting up the lockdown looks bleak at the moment. Most people are currently adhering to social distancing guidelines to keep themselves safe during the pandemic.

However, BJP MP and Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwary allegedly broke the social distancing guidelines by indulging in a game of cricket. Tiwari’s video while playing cricket instantly hogged the attention on social media. He played a game of cricket at an academy in Sheikhpura of Sonipat district, violating the social distancing norms which are currently being issued when the country is battling against COVID-19 outbreak.

But the BJP MP, while defending his actions, claimed that the game was played following a Central government order allowing reopening of stadiums without spectators. Tiwari referred to the government’s notification, passed on May 17, stating that sports complexes and stadiums could reopen but without spectators.

MHA permitted opening of stadiums without spectators

“Sports complexes and stadia will be permitted to open; however, spectators will not be allowed,” said the notification issued by Ministry in Health Administration (MHA). Following the notification, it was reported that the BCCI would allow the players to start training outdoors.

Furthermore, Tiwari also claimed that he has always been following social distancing and lockdown norms amid the lockdown. “I have always followed social distancing, lockdown norms. MHA permitted opening of stadiums without spectators. Based on that, I went there and played. All norms were followed,” Manoj Tiwari said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Several reports said Tiwari did not wear a mask while playing and he even clicked selfies with people which were present at the location. The video posted on Tiwari’s Twitter account shows him playing cricket on the field. However, it’s not sure yet if the video was shot at the game in Sonipat.