Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday trashed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s allegation of Congress-ruled states rejecting Covaxin as a complete lie and part of the ruling party’s false and politically motivated propaganda.
The Chief Minister was responding to a question during an informal media interaction after taking the first shot of the Covid Vaccine at Civil Hospital Mohali. When asked how he was feeling after the Covid jab, the minister said he was in `Chardi Kalan’ and was feeling absolutely fine. The dose was administered to him by ANM (Auxilary Nurse and Midwife) Manpreet.
Categorically denying the charge on Covaxin, the Chief Minister slammed BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra’s claim that Punjab, along with other Opposition-ruled states, had expressed doubts and refused to accept the vaccination. It was not at all true, he added.
An official of the Punjab Health Ministry later disclosed that the state had received 1.34 lakh Covaxin doses, of which 2500 had already been administered.
The Chief Minister, in response to another question on slow pace of vaccination in the state, said the Media was contributing to scaring the people. He urged the Media to spread awareness about the importance and efficacy about the vaccines.
Admitting that cases of Covid in Punjab were on the rise, having crossed 1000 after more than a month, Captain Amarinder said it was a matter of concern. His government was keeping a close watch on the situation, he said, blaming the casual and carefree attitude of Punjabis for the resurgence in cases. He appealed to the people to strictly adhere to all Covid safety norms, including wearing of masks and social distancing, and not let their guard down, as the Coronavirus had not gone yet.