Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, who claimed papad helps fight COVID, tests positive

Union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Arjun Ram Meghwal, who was widely ridiculed last month for claiming that papad could help fight the coronavirus, tested positive for the virus on Saturday.

Meghwal, who is the minister of state in the Ministry of Water Resources, tweeted that he has admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi.

The BJP leader Meghwal confirmed saying "After developing some initial coronavirus symptoms, I underwent a test," he said. "My first report came negative but I tested positive today[Saturday]. I feel fine. I urge people who came into contact with me to monitor their health." 

Earlier on last month, Meghwal had presided over the launch of a brand of papad called "Bhabhiji Papad", which he claimed could help develop antibodies against the novel coronavirus.

Notably, many political leaders in India have tested positive for the coronavirus over the last few weeks.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit are among politicians who contracted the virus.

As per recent updates, Amit Shah on Sunday tested negative.

It is to be mentioned that India's coronavirus count crossed 21 lakh on Sunday. The country registered a huge increase of 64,399 cases, taking its total to 21,53,010. 

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