BJP leader Atul Bhatkhalkar takes a jibe at Aditya Thackeray over night clubs violating Covid-19 protocols

MUMBAI: BJP leader Atul Bhatkhalkar has criticised Tourism Minister Aditya Thackeray over Mumbai’s nightlife and violations of Covid norms in night clubs and pubs in his constituency.

In a tweet, Bhatkhalkar said, “What is the point of Municipality taking action against the crowd in night clubs when the saviour of night life is himself a cabinet minister?”

“Nightclubs are desperately needed to protect the environment,” he added while taking a jibe at the minister.

A video emerged on social media showed nightclubs in Mumbai’s Juhu and Vile Parle areas flouting social distancing norms, and even being operational beyond 2 am. This is in absolute violation of the guidelines imposed by the Maharashtra government in wake of the resurge of the pandemic.

Earlier, MNS leader Santosh Dhuri took to Facebook live from the Union Pub in the Kamala Mill compound. The video showed people violating Covid-related restrictions in the pub. The video showcased people not following social distancing and not wearing masks. Dhuri questioned Aditya Thackeray’s hold over his constituency.

Aditya Thackeray is an MLA from Worli constituency. He is also the guardian minister of Mumbai suburban district.

Mumbai on Friday reported 1,104 new cases and five deaths, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in a statement. With this, the overall tally of Covid-19 cases in India’s financial capital has increased to 3,29,843, and the fatalities have risen to 11,487.

The city reported more than 1,100 Covid-19 cases for the second day on the trot as 1,121 cases and six casualties were reported on Wednesday.