As the ruling central BJP has announced free COVID-19 vaccine for Bihar people, it stoked a huge political storm as the opposition coalition came all guns blazing at the NDA accusing them of using the pandemic for political mileage.
However, on Sunday, the Union minister Pratap Sarangi has announced that all people of the country will be given free Covid-19 vaccine after the opposition created ruckus. The Union minister has made the announcement as a damage control to the Bihar vaccine remark.
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said the announcement was in order as it was an election manifesto announcement.
Talking to reporters after a campaign meeting for the November 3 assembly by-poll in Balasore, Sarangi said that PM Modi will ensure free vaccines for all in India. An estimated Rs 500 odd will be spent on vaccination of each person, he said.
In an address to the nation on October 20, PM Modi had divulged details of how Indian scientists are progressing in developing a vaccine and the different stages of trials for the other vaccines in India. He said that the results are encouraging.
In the meanwhile several governments have already announced free vaccines for their people. The governments of Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Puduchchery have already announced free of cost Covid-19 vaccines for the people of their states. On the other hand, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has demanded a free vaccine for all citizens across the country.
