Patna: The BJP’s poll promise of Covid- 19 vaccine free to the all citizens in Bihar, it is the first promise mentioned in our poll manifesto. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman unveiling BJP’s “Free vaccine for all” pledge, she said as soon as Covid- 19 vaccine will available for production at a mass scale, everyone in Bihar will get free vaccination.

Later, in the day Tamil Nadu and Karnataka vowed to vaccinate for free, while MP reserved its commitment for the poor. BJP’s promise in Bihar drew sharp responses from Congress, RJD, Shiva Sena, CPM and NC. According to the official sources, while refusing comment on a political issue, said the BJP manifesto spoke of free distribution only when a vaccine reached large scale production. At initial stages of production, the prioritization plans being drawn up by the Centre would be followed.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a tweet said Government just announced India’s Covid- 19 access strategy. Kindly refer to the state wise election schedule to know when you will get it, along with a hoard of false promises. BJP’s social media head Amit Malaviya said however, defended the poll promise, BJP manifesto promises free Covid- 19 vaccine. Like all programs, Centre will provide vaccines to states at a nominal rate. It is for the State Government to decide if they want to give it free or otherwise. Health being a state subject, Bihar BJP has decided to give it free.