Delhi Govt. denies Chikungunya outbreak, blames media for creating panic

After facing accusations of being negligent over the rising number of Chikungunya cases in the national capital, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi Government on Tuesday turned the tables at the Centre and Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, saying it is them who has to be blamed as they control the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Addressing a press conference, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain said, "Two MCD mayors are out of Delhi, ask them why? Their only work is to ensure cleanliness. There are only 40 percent beds under the Delhi Government. We are not denying anyone a bed and have made all facilities available to deal with such cases," Jain said defending his government.

Denying any "outbreak" of Chikungunya, the Delhi Health Minister stated clearly that there is no outbreak of Chikungunya.

"It has been created by you (media) by spreading panic," he lashed out.

He also said that there has never been any death due to chikungunya in the world.

"This is media created panic. Please don't spread panic. Prove it medically (death due to Chikungunya). Medically Chikungunya can never b cause of anyone's death," he said.

Delhi recorded its first case of Chikungunya casualty with the death of a 65-year-old man, who yesterday succumbed to the vector-borne disease. The victim R. Pandey succumbed to the disease at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

According to reports, Chikungunya cases in the national capital has sharply risen to over 1,000 this season, marking a jump of nearly 90 percent from its count last week.

Criticizing Arvind Kejriwal-led government, former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit told ANI, "We saw no fumigation this time in the city. If the government doesn't fulfill responsibility how will it work? It is government's responsibility to take pre-emptive steps when this season arrives before people get sick."

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra also slammed the Delhi government for their inability to cope with these diseases.

"The capital of the country is reeling under vector-borne diseases, and when Kejriwal is asked questions, he takes to Twitter saying that he should not be questioned. Kejriwal needs to resign. You cannot run away and shun your duty. When people question you, you need to mind your language. You are answerable. Stop calling people who question you dalals.