SET UP NATIONAL PANEL UNDER SC TO TACKLE COVID CRISIS: RAUT

MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena on Saturday said the Supreme Court (SC) must immediately form a national-level committee to tackle the Covid-19 management and distribution of vaccines. Sena leader and Rajya Sabha member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Raut said the time has come to keep politics aside and handle the second wave of Covid-19 that has gripped the country, if not then the “country will be ruled by corpses”.

In the suo motu proceedings on the Covid-19 crisis, the SC had on Friday asked the Centre about its plans on implementing a lockdown, oxygen distribution to states, vaccine prices and availability of medicines. Last week, the Apex court took cognisance of the issues related to oxygen supply, drug supply, and various other government policies and measures concerning the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lauding the “interest” shown by the Apex court on Covid-19 handling, Raut said, “SC should form a national committee to look into all these issues [of vaccination and Covid-19 management]. There are several states where even the government does not know what is happening. The country will only survive if we do work that is devoid of politics. If not, then the country will be ruled by corpses.” “A committee should be formed immediately to look at the requirement of states, to ensure there is no discrimination and there is no political interference,” Raut told reporters. The Sena chief spokesperson said there is no “transparency or clarity” over the vaccination drive in the country. “Maharashtra is still awaiting the stock; chief minister (CM) said in his address, even Karnataka CM [BS] Yediyurappa ji has a similar opinion. Other states are also complaining. So, the question arises what is the Centre doing?”

Raut added, “This is a national calamity and if the Centre is not handling it seriously or if they have lost control, then SC should form national-level committee. From oxygen to vaccination, from Remdesivir to other drugs, from beds to other infrastructure must be given as required.”