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Koppal, Aug 3: The activists of Popular Front of India (PFI) have won the heart of the people by performing the last rites of a local leader of Bharatiya Janata Party in Koppla district of Karnataka. 

Somashekhara Gowda, a senior BJP leader in Koppal’s Gangavathi died of covid-19. His family members were reportedly quarantined. His own party activists also were not ready to participate in the last rite due to the fear of coronavirus infection.

Following requests, a team of PFI comprised of district secretary Fayaz, and members Yaseen, Abdul Aalam, Shamid Razi and Husain Azarauddin performed the last rites as per Veerashaiva Lingayat traditions. 

Speaking to media persons PFI district president Zaheer Abbas lamented that people still have plenty of misconceptions about covid-19. “Due to the misconceptions, performing the last rites of those who die of covid-19 has become a challenge,” he said.

He said that PFI activists followed all the health guidelines and took necessary precautions while performing the last rites. “Under the guidance of district health officials and with the consent of the family members of the deceased, the last rites were performed as per Veerashaiva Lingayat traditions,” he said.