Amid rise in Covid-19 infections in Maharashtra over the past few weeks, a number of the state's political leaders and ministers, including the health minister Rajesh Tope, tested positive for the disease. Others include Jayant Patil, Raksha Khadse, Eknath Khadse, Bacchu Kadu, and Rajendra Shingne.
On Thursday, the state reported 5,427 new cases - the highest one-day count in over 75 days.
Minister of state Omprakash Babarao Kadu, or Bacchu Kadu, tweeted today that he had tested positive for Covid-19 a second time.
While Tope tweeted last night,"I have tested positive for Covid-19. My health condition is fine. I appeal to those who have come into contact with me recently to get tested at the earliest."
Similarly, NCP leader Jayant R Patil, posted a message yesterday declaring his Covid-19-positive status. The 59-year-old is the Water Resources Minister of the state and a seven-term MLA from Islampur.
Another senior NCP leader, Eknath Khadse, tweeted in Marathi yesterday saying, "I have tested positive for corona. My health is fine...I request those who have come in contact with me to test themselves."
On Wednesday, state Food and Drug Administration Minister Rajendra Shingne, 60, had tweeted declaring his Covid-19 positive status.