Let's forget politics, combat chikungunya together: Kapil Mishra appeals to parties

A day after the Delhi government blamed the Lt Governor and BJP-controlled civic bodies for the rising cases of chikungunya in the capital, Delhi's Water Minister Kapil Mishra on Wednesday appealed to all MPs, MLAs and councillors to keep aside political differences and fight the menace together.

In an open letter, Mishra urged everyone who loves the city to come together and fight against dengue and chikungunya.

"Let's take a pledge. For making Delhi healthier, let us set aside our differences and unite to get the city rid of mosquitoes and other diseases," Mishra said, adding, "We all 70 legislators, seven MPs,and all 272 councillors can do this work. Every councillor, legislator and MP should shoulder this responsibility."

In the letter he said that he spoke to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is in Bengaluru for a throat surgery, and Kejriwal stressed on combating chikungunya together.

According to Mishra, Kejriwal said: "We need to rise above politics and join hands to fight against these diseases (dengue and chikungunya). Delhi people are great and can do miracles together."

In the letter, Mishra proposed that all the councillors and legislators should come out on the streets in their respective areas ? go door to door and get the fogging and cleanliness done where required.

"A massive public awareness drive should be conducted against dengue and chikungunya. All the MPs should lead the campaign. I appeal to workers of all the parties, be it BJP, Congress or AAP to forget politics (at least for some days) and fight against these diseases," Mishra appealed.

He said that during this campaign one should not look to find the mistakes of another but make all out efforts to save Delhi. Representatives of various social organisations and people from RWAs should also be roped in to combat dengue and chikungunya.

"I will personally call up the MP from my constituency Manoj Tiwari and former Congress MP Jai Prakash Agarwal and appeal to them to join this campaign and get fogging done in the area," Mishra said.

Delhi so far has witnessed the death of 10 patients from chikungunya.

--IANS

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