On Eluru mystery illness, Naidu alleges Andhra govt's cover-up & demands Jagan stay there

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President and former Andhra Presh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday accused Jagan Mohan Reddy-led state Government of attempting to "cover-up" cause of mysterious illness that has affected over 300 people in several areas of Eluru town in West Godavari district.

Naidu vised Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to pay personal attention to need for restoring rmalcy in town and creating confidence in local people.

RE | As Eluru Mystery Illness Claims Life & Afflicts 290, TDP's Naidu Demands Probe; CM Enroute

'Evidence of water contamination or air pollution'

dressing a press conference in Amaravati, TDP chief said that it was wrong on part of Health Minister to refute possibilities of water contamination or drain problems. He said it was also wrong to dismiss symptoms of affected persons as mass hysteria. By saying so, Government was getting away from its responsibility at a time when people are in need of all possible help. One person died and over 315 people have fallen ill till w but State Government is taking it lightly, he alleged.

"re was prima facie evidence to say that people were falling ill due to water contamination or air pollution. re might be lapses in drinking water lines getting contaminated with drain. Or, re might be problems caused by wrong chlorination or improper use of pesticides meant for mosquito control. Under such a panic situation, CM Jagan should have stayed in Eluru for two to three days and given proper leership," said Chandrababu Naidu.

RE | Mysterious Disease In Andhra Presh Affects Over 290, 1 De

He furr said that CM Reddy visited Eluru for a while on Monday and went on his way to attend marris, which was totally unbecoming of a leer at time of crisis. Stating that people of all s were falling victims to disease, Naidu stressed need for a deep study of mystery illness.

He questioned why Chief Minister was hesitating to impose a health emergency in Eluru so as to initiate all required steps in restoring rmalcy as soon as possible.

"This Government h t paid salaries to outsourced staff in sanitation across State for many months and also during alarming coronavirus epidemic time. Even sanitation staff in Eluru might t have got ir dues properly. re was proper cleaning of water tanks and proper maintenance of drains ever since YSRCP came to rule," he stated.

RE | Andhra Presh: Central Team To Visit Eluru To Investigate Mysterious Disease

Andhra CM visits Eluru

Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday visited Government General Hospital in Eluru where hundreds of people were mitted with symptoms of nausea, giddiness and epilepsy since Saturday. He interacted with those afflicted by mysterious illness even as number of patients rose to 347. cause of sickness is yet to be ascertained.

According to a report released by district collector, as many as 340 people fell sick due to mystery disease, out of which 157 are still undergoing treatment. One person has succumbed to illness while 168 have been discharged. A total of 56 doctors including specialists are providing treatment to affected patients. Besides, a household health survey has been conducted in 57,863 houses to spre awareness. Centre has also voiced its concern and sent a team, even as illness is being studied.

RE | Andhra CM Visits Those Afflicted With Mystery Illness In Hospital

(With inputs from ncy)