Ranchi: Opposition BJP on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the mahagathbandhan government over the spiralling rate of Covid deaths in Ranchi and other parts of the state.
“The way patients are struggling to get beds, oxygen, medicines and the deceased are being cremated is a testimony that the government and the administrative machinery in this state are now on deathbed,” state BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Deepak Prakash said.
“Everyday, media persons are reporting how people are dying owing to the lack of timely treatment. Even black marketeering of medicines is going unabated. Not that the government is not aware of the problems, but it is doing precious little,” said Prakash, asking the chief minister to visit any hospital without any prior announcement to experience the problems faced by people. “We have been hearing horror stories and seeing them from the ground daily, but this government has become deaf,” Prakash added.
The saffron party also mocked the week-long Swastha Suraksha Saptah announced by the state government. “According to the Hemant Soren-led government, drinking liquor is a way to stay healthy. That is why, they have decided to keep wine shops open during the health safety week,” he said.
Notably, BJP demanded lockdown in the state in the wake of spiralling Covid-19 cases. Party leader Babulal Marandi, too, pressed for a lockdown and even called up Soren demanding the same.
But following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to all states to refrain from enforcing lockdown, the BJP state unit has now found itself in an uncomfortable situation. However, none wished to speak openly about it.
The ruling alliance partners — JMM and Congress — strongly hit back at BJP for its ‘dual stand’. JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharjee said, “During the all-party meet two days ago, BJP said that it will rise above political opportunism to collectively fight the pandemic in the state, but it is back to square one today. BJP must seek answers from its supreme leader and PM on why he failed the nation in containing Covid-19. BJP leaders must also ask Modi-ji and his government why medicines, oxygen, vaccines and the likes have not been provided to the states. The central leadership has exposed itself by pushing the country into crisis.”
Congress spokespersons Alok Dubey and Lal Kishorenath Shahdeo dared BJP leaders in the state to explain their stand over lockdown. “Until recently, the BJP leadership here was accusing the state government of running away from imposing complete lockdown. But the PM has asked states to refrain from lockdown in the interest of economic activities. They should question the PM now?” the duo said in a statement.