Mizoram, May 15: Mizoram minister R Lalzirliana has set an example after moping the floors of a hospital where he is being treated for COVID-19 along with his wife and son. A photo of Mizoram’s power and electricity department minister Lalzirliana moping the floors has gone viral on social media.
Lalzirliana said that moping the floors is not something that he did for the first time. He has swept and moped at his home and other places.
Several instances of Mizoram ministers living their lives as common men and performing household chores, travelling in public transport or motorbike, participating at community works and serving as a cook for community feast during the festive season have been seen in the past.
“My motive in mopping the floors was not to embarrass the nurses or doctors but I want to educate and lead others by setting an example,” Lalzirliana said.
He said that he had called the sweeper to clean his messy room. When the sweeper could not come, he decided to mop the floors himself.
“Sweeping, mopping the floors, or performing household chores are no new jobs to me. I used to do it at home and other places when it is required to do so,” he said.
Minister R Lalzirliana had once cleaned and mopped the floor at Mizoram house in Delhi. The 71-year-old politician’s family was placed under isolation after his son was diagnosed with Covid on May 8. He and his wife tested positive on May 11.
They were shifted to the state’s only COVID-19 hospital, Zoram Medical College (ZMC), on May 12 when Lalzirliana’s oxygen level dropped suddenly.
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The minister said that he started to develop mild symptoms since Thursday. He is out of danger and his oxygen level is stable.
The family was kept at a mini-intensive care unit for two days and shifted to the COVID ward on Friday.
“We are fine here. The medical staff and nurses are taking good care of us,” he said. He added that he does like VIP treatment as a minister.
Lalzirliana urged healthcare workers to be polite to COVID-19 patients as good care will have a good impact on them.
The minister also holds arts and culture, land resources, soil and water conservation, and district council and minority affairs portfolios.
