Mounting an attack on the ruling BJP, the Trinamool Congress alleged that there has been a blatant misuse of official machinery by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing his photos on certificates of vaccination distributed by the Union Health Ministry.
In a complaint to the Election Commission ahead of Bengal polls, TMC objected to the use of PM’s photos and accused him of stealing the due credit from frontline workers namely doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers.
Addressing his concern, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien wrote in the letter to the election body that by placing his name on the provisional certificates, the PM is not only exploiting his power and position but is also taking away credit from the medical fraternity that put their lives at risk to save countless others and those who are behind the making of the vaccine.
Alleging a breach of the Model Code of Conduct, the MP appealed to the election body that it must stop the PM from taking unfair advantage and undue publicity at the taxpayer’s cost during elections.
As per sources, the certificated bearing the photo of and a message from PM Modi has been in circulation for a long time and is being handed out to anyone who has been administered the Covid-19 vaccine. All frontline health workers and other beneficiaries who took the vaccine in the earlier phases were also given the certificates.
The EC announced the dates for Assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry on February 26. The elections in all four states and the Union Territory will be held from March 27 to April 29 and counting will be held on May 2.
