Nagpur, Apr 6 (IANS): The pleas by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to remain indoors and maintain 'social distancing' were apparently junked at the home of Wardha's Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Dadarao Y. Keche.

On Sunday, when India marked the 12th day of lockdown since March 25, over 200 people crowded at Keche's home in Arvi, ostensibly to celebrate his birthday.

Videos and pix of the incident went viral with the crowds estimated at more than 200 men and women, seen thronging outside the lawmaker's home where he was reportedly distributing relief material.

Taking serious note of the violations, the local district authorities have issued a notice to Keche who later alleged it was "a conspiracy hatched by his political opponents".

The MLA said that he was planning to distribute rations to 21 families as he does every year, but some political opponents spread the rumours that he would be doling out free food packets to everyone, resulting in the gathering which was dispersed with police help.