Jharkhand Congress MLA Irfan Ansari on Wednesday claimed that one should not use face masks for a long time as it would be detrimental to health.
Congress MLA from Jharkhand’s Jamtara, Irfan Ansari, has sparked a fresh row over the wearing of face masks, claiming that one should not use them for a long time as it would be detrimental to health.
Irfan Ansari, who, he claimed, is an MBBS doctor, said that excessive and prolonged use of masks leads to inhalation of carbon dioxide. “The same carbon dioxide that is exhaled goes in when the masks are used regularly,” the MLA added.
His controversial remarks come at a time when the country is raging under a third wave with the Omicron variant spreading rapidly in various states. International organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) have advocated wearing face masks, taking vaccine and maintaining social distancing to protect themselves from catching the infection.
Meanwhile, Irfan Ansari was in Dhanbad to visit and express solidarity with a victim who was thrashed by BJP workers when the party was protesting against security lapses of Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s convoy in Punjab. The victim was allegedly forcibly made to spit and lick saliva and chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’.
After visiting the victim, the MLA proceeded to Wasseypur and he was spotted without a mask and there was a huge crowd at the legislature. When asked why he would not respect Covid protocols and what message would be disseminated to the public, he said, “Masks should not be worn for a long time. As a doctor, I am saying that those who have been affected by the third wave or contracted the virus should not panic. They need to have patience and the infection does not sustain for more than four to five days.”
Former national vice-president of IMA Dr Ajay Singh has rejected Irfan Ansari’s claims and stated that the MLA made tame excuses. He appealed to the people to wear masks and follow social distancing rules.
Opposition BJP slammed the Congress over Irfan Ansari’s controversial remarks. Former speaker and party leader CP Singh hit out at the Congress MLA, saying he lost his mental balance. He also demanded to check the MBBS degree of Irfan Ansari.
The BJP leader also sought an FIR against Irfan Ansari for violating Covid-19 protocols and instigating people to not wear a mask.
