WATCH: Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari violates lockdown rules; plays cricket without mask

Delhi BJP leader Manoj Tiwari courted controversy after he posted a video of him playing cricket without wearing a face mask. In another video, the Delhi BJP chief was seen interacting with a small crowd and singing one of his songs, in violation of social distancing norms.

According to media reports, he travelled from Delhi to Haryana for some personal work. In a video that he shared on social media, Tiwari was seen playing cricket without mask at Sheikhpura Unique Cricket Stadium in Sonipat with cricketers who were practising.

Tweeting the video, the wrote that he wishes that god gives everyone sporting spirit, as it would help in strengthening immunity.

Sonipat sub-divisional magistrate issued a notice to the owner of the stadium over the violation of norms.

Later, according to media reports, the state BJP chief was seen with a group of people with his mask lowered, violating the social distancing norms. He reportedly sang his popular Bhojpuri song ‘Rinkiya ke Papa’ to entertain the crowd.

Despite the relaxed norms during the fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown, social distancing and wearing masks have been made mandatory to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Reacting to the allegations of failing to adhere to lockdown regulations, Tiwari said he always followed social distancing and lockdown norms. "I have always followed social distancing, lockdown norms. MHA permitted the opening of stadiums without spectators. Based on that, I went there and played. All norms were followed," news agency ANI quoted him as saying.

On Sunday, Tiwari had claimed that there are more COVID-19 deaths in Delhi than being reported by the government. According to news agency IANS, the state BJP chief had also accused the Kejriwal government of failing to conduct enough tests. "They are hiding data on deaths. We have the information that there are more deaths happening than being reported by the government," the news agency quoted him as saying.

Delhi has so far recorded over 13,000 COVID-19 cases, of which nearly 50 per cent have recovered.