Will go to Rajkot and vote if doctors permit: CM Vijay Rupani

GANDHINAGAR: Chief minister Vijay Rupani, who has tested Covid-19 positive and is admitted at the UN Mehta hospital in the city, has expressed his desire to visit his home town Rajkot where he is registered as a voter, and exercise his franchise in the municipal corporation election on Sunday.

Rupani said that he will do so only if doctors permit him. According to sources, the CM has recovered almost completely from the infection and is expected to be discharged from hospital late on Friday (February 19) or on Saturday (February 20).However, according the state government’s Covid-19 protocol, he will have to isolate himself for a few more days even if he is discharged from the hospital.
When contacted, the CM said, “I have fully recovered and do not have any symptoms. I am keen to go to Rajkot for voting. However, I will strictly follow guidelines and advice of doctors. If they will permit me, I will go to Rajkot and cast my vote by adhering to all prescribed guidelines by the State Election Commission.” He added that he feels fine and expects to be discharged in a day or two.
Rupani fainted and collapsed at an election rally last Sunday in Vadodara. He was admitted to the UN Mehta Hospital, where his Covid-19 test turned positive. On Thursday, Rupani, in a video statement, appealed people to vote in large numbers for the BJP.
According to the SEC’s Covid-19 guidelines, a candidate or voter who has tested positive for Covid-19, can cast his or her vote at the respective polling booth. However, the person will have to wear a PPE kit and a face mask. Moreover, Covid-19 positive voters will be allowed to vote only after 6pm on Sunday.