'Where's mask?' ask netizens as Amit Shah campaigns in UP

Union Home Minister Amit Shah hit the ground running in Uttar Pradesh as elections loom closer.

The senior BJP leader visited Kairana to campaign for Mriganka Singh, daughter of Hukum Singh who has represented the constituency multiple times. Shah conducted a door-to-door campaign, handing out pamphlets to residents. He also met some families who had reportedly claimed to have left the town in the past to escape extortion demands from local criminals.

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The BJP has claimed that Kairana saw exodus of Hindu community members under the previous Samajwadi Party government.

Meanwhile, Amit Shah's campaign drew some criticism online with netizens pointing out that he was not wearing a face mask amid the third wave of the Covid pandemic. Just two days ago, Shah had met Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma who subsequently tested positive for Covid. The criticism included comments like "no mask and hundreds of people", and "no mask, no social distancing; is election protocol being followed?".

Uttar Pradesh will vote in 7 phases, starting from February 10. Results will be announced on March 10.