OVER 11K SUPERSPREADERS VAXED IN AHMEDABAD

AHMEDABAD: More than 11,000 people categorised as ‘superspreaders’ have been vaccinated against Covid in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad city so far in a special drive started recently for their inoculation, local civic body said on Tuesday. ‘Superspreaders’ are those who transmit an infectious disease to a large number of other people due to the nature of their job. The AMC recently started a vaccination drive, like vegetable vendors, grocers, petrol pump staff, barbers, courier and food delivery agents. A total of 11,013 such people have been inoculated so far as part of the drive, the civic body said in a release. A centre has been set up in each of city’s seven civic zones to facilitate the vaccination so that they pose little danger of the spread of the disease, AMC said.

My statement does not come out of blue, and in fact, its genesis lies in the nature of the mandate of the last assembly elections. The leader of a party which was reduced to 40-odd seats occupied the chief minister’s chair, defying the message inherent in the people’s will. The contradictions of the ruling coalition are being played out in the open... Look at the absolute lack of communication across political parties in this alliance, and you will realise that their days are numbered.

But what makes you believe that this government will fall?

It is a question of how much longer, and to what extent, the CM allows his power to be diminished... It’s been a little over six months and... Bihar is facing a serious all-round crisis.

The government has shown no indication of how it’ll get up to the task... whether it is the pandemic or floods or issues of employment and law and order.

Do you have the numbers to provide an alternative? Who you are banking on?

We have played the role of a very responsible and active Opposition... In terms of numbers, we don’t need a lot, as you already know looking at the thin line between peoples’ will and the idea of “managed majority”.

There’s is often talk of a

likely split in the Congress or the RJD. How do you see this?

This is the SOP of Nitishji’s propaganda whenever he is on a shaky wicket. I see such talk as not more than a juicy gossip... There are plenty of forums within the party to voice concerns and debate.

How realistic is the chance of Tejashwi-Chirag tie up?

Our families have a longstanding relationship... However, Chirag ji has to take crucial decision with regard to ideological commitment.

He will have to rework his politics in the light of what is being brazenly done to the progressive politics of social justice where Ramvilas ji remained a crusader with my father... it is up to him to cut through the contradictions and make up his mind.

What role will RJD have in a likely Opposition alliance, which is said to be working on a plan without Cong?

RJD and Laluji have played a historical role in bringing progressive parties together... We will not deviate from the path... in view of the massive challenges ahead... any idea of whatsoever front shall not be feasible without the Congress...