Counter Opposition on Covid response: Modi to party cadre

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 20

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked BJP MPs to proactively counter the opposition’s “misleading” charges on the management of the Covid-19 pandemic, saying a deliberate attempt is being made to create a negative atmosphere in the country.

Addressing a meeting of BJP parliamentary party, he hit out at the Congress saying the opposition party is in a “coma” and unable to digest the BJP coming to power.

“The government is willing to hold discussions in both Houses of Parliament, but the opposition was showing the most irresponsible behaviour,” sources quoted him as saying.

The PM said the Covid-19 crisis was not a political, but a humanitarian issue. “The government has ensured no one goes hungry,” he said, asking BJP leaders to ensure that the vaccination drive was carried out smoothly in their constituencies.

Briefing on the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the PM expressed concern about the attitude of the opposition, especially the Congress.

“Such a pandemic has been witnessed by the world after almost 100 years. Last time, in such a situation, people faced a severe food shortage, but this time the government ensured that no one slept hungry,” Joshi said quoting the PM.

The PM told party MPs that providing relief to the people was their responsibility and not a favour, Joshi said.

Meanwhile, according to the sources, the PM asked BJP MPs to effectively counter allegations of the opposition on the government’s Covid-19 response and the availability of vaccines. He also told the MPs that considering the apprehensions of a third Covid-19 wave, they should prepare adequately and be ready for more boots on the ground, they added.

He pointed out that in Delhi nearly 20 per cent of frontline workers were still not vaccinated.

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