‘NCP trying to take all credit for free vaccines’

Cong miffed; rift within MVA out in open

Differences within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra over free vaccination came to the fore with the Congress expressing displeasure over the NCP announcing the decision unilaterally. The decision should be announced by chief minister Uddhav Thackeary, said Maharashtra Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat.

“The decision to provide vaccine against Covid-19 for free to people of the state should have been announced by the chief minister. An attempt by others to take credit for it was not good,” said Mr Thorat on Monday.

His comments came a day after Maharashtra minority affairs minister and NCP leader Nawab Malik said the state government will float global tenders for providing Covid-19 vaccines for free to people above 18 years of age in the state.

Without naming the NCP, Mr Thorat said, “A discussion on providing a free vaccine was underway and it was not correct to make an announcement right away to get credit for it. This is absolutely not

■ Continued from Page 1 right. We had discussions with CM. The CM should declare about free vaccines. Some people are trying to take personal and political credit.”

State environment minister and Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray too made an announcement on Twitter but deleted the tweet later, leading to further confusion.

“The Govt of Maharashtra has decided to vaccinate its citizens free of cost. This is not something that we think of as a choice, but as a duty that we consider of utmost importance: protecting the citizens from covid,” Mr Thackeray tweeted.

However, he later deleted the tweet saying he did so “to not cause confusion regarding the official vaccination policy of Maharashtra.”

“The official policy of vaccination will be declared by the empowered committee and we must await its recommendation for a fair policy for all sections of society,” said Mr Thackeray.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said the state government will take a decision on providing free vaccines to citizens. “The Maha Vikas Aghadi government is taking all steps to save each life. Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and the state's entire Cabinet are working hard to fight the pandemic. They are fighting for oxygen, ventilators and beds,” he said.

STATE ENVIRONMENT minister and Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray too made an announcement on Twitter but deleted the tweet later, leading to further confusion.