Farmers Movement Archive

BJP rejects Delhi government’s claim on vaccine orders

NEW DELHI: BJP on Monday asked the AAP government in Delhi to explain as to how many vaccines it has actually ordered with party spokesperson Sambit Patra releasing copies of letters which said that the state plans to procure vaccines from Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech rather than concrete requests for supply. Patra shared two letters of the Delhi government dated April 26, and claimed that they are about intent to procure the two vaccines — Covaxin and Covishield — 67 lakh doses each but not placing orders. “Read both these letters released by AAP Govt, carefully, you would find that these are not ‘letters of placing the ORDER’ of 1.34 crore vaccines as said by CM Kejriwal. At best these letters are “Letters of INTENT” ( ...we are planning to procure) Can’t pass these as orders!!” Patra said. Patra noted that Kejriwal had claimed on April 26 that his government will order 1.34 crore vaccines, which is worth nearly Rs 1,400 crore. "Today, he's saying he has nothing. Only 8.93% people over 45 years have got their second dose in Delhi. Only 48.03% people over 60 years have received their first dose. Only 17% people over 60 years have received a second dose," he said. Patra alleged that the Delhi government didn't give a timely push to the vaccination process and was now doing politics over the availability of oxygen. Citing an interview of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal in which he rejected suggestions that the Centre is to blame for oxygen crisis and said states are primarily responsible for making arrangement for the life-saving gas, the BJP spokesperson said Kejriwal made little efforts to augment its availability in the national capital. Despite funding from the PM-Cares Fund for setting up oxygen plants, the Delhi government failed to start any because it could not provide any site, he alleged. Patra also hit out at the AAP government over an alleged rape at Tikri border, where farmers'' protest has been continuing, alleging that the name of one of its workers has cropped up, and he has been missing. Despite repeated attempts from TOI, there was no response available from the AAP government.

The Times of India

2021-05-11

Delhi