Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday said he would not take the vaccination shot for COVID-19 as of now because he did not trust the “BJP’s (Bharatiya Janata Party) vaccine”. However, he later issued a clarification saying he had faith in the scientists but not in the medical system under the BJP government.
“We will not get the BJP’s political vaccine. The SP government will provide free vaccine,” said Mr. Yadav.
“Mein toh nahi lagwaunga abhi vaccine (I will not get a vaccination shot now),” Mr. Yadav had said here at a press conference. “Aur woh bhi BJP lagaegi, uska bharosa karunga mein? Arey jao bhai (and that too the BJP will provide us the shots, will I trust them?)”
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister had also said: “Hum BJP ka vaccine nahi lagwa sakte (I cannot take the BJP’s vaccine).”
Mr. Yadav took a dig at the BJP government for imposing restrictions on Opposition parties citing COVID-19 norms. “The government says there is COVID-19 only when Opposition parties organise events,” the SP chief said.
“This government, which was getting rid of COVID-19 through tali and thali (claps and banging plates) and flying helicopters over hospitals, why does it need to make such a big cold chain?” he also asked, referring to the government’s plans for immunisation against the virus.
Mr. Yadav had said that if his party came to power in Uttar Pradesh, he would provide free vaccine to everyone.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Subscription Benefits Include
Today's Paper
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Unlimited Access
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
Personalised recommendations
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Faster pages
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
Dashboard
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
Briefing
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
Support Quality Journalism.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper, crossword and print.
A letter from the Editor
Dear subscriber,
Thank you!
Your support for our journalism is invaluable. It’s a support for truth and fairness in journalism. It has helped us keep apace with events and happenings.
The Hindu has always stood for journalism that is in the public interest. At this difficult time, it becomes even more important that we have access to information that has a bearing on our health and well-being, our lives, and livelihoods. As a subscriber, you are not only a beneficiary of our work but also its enabler.
We also reiterate here the promise that our team of reporters, copy editors, fact-checkers, designers, and photographers will deliver quality journalism that stays away from vested interest and political propaganda.
Suresh Nambath
