Centre did not allow us to provide free vaccines for all in Bengal: Mamata Banerjee

As COVID-19 cases increase across the country, it is a matter of concern for Bengal where five more phases remain.

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Thursday reiterated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre did not let the West Bengal government provide free COVID-19 vaccines for all ahead of the Assembly polls.

With increase in COVID-19 cases across the country, there are new restrictions being imposed by various state governments, including partial lockdown. However, in Bengal, with elections scheduled in five more phases till April 29, the increase in COVID-19 cases assumes different significance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is discussing the rise in cases with chief ministers on Thursday. But Banerjee is not attending the meeting due to election protocol.

At an election rally in Behala today, Banerjee said that though the Bengal government wanted to pay to provide free vaccines for all ahead of the elections, the Centre had not allowed it. She had written to the Centre before election dates were announced, and prior to the implementation of the model code of conduct. At the rally today, Banerjee said that there was something non-transparent about only one organisation in the country producing vaccines. “Why is there this total monopoly? I have been a minister in the Central government and I know how the government functions,” she said.

Banerjee added that she has said that lockdown would not be implemented in Bengal.

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