Second Covid-19 wave Modi-made disaster: Mamata Banerjee

Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the rise in Covid-19 cases, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday dubbed the pandemic situation in the country as a “Modi-made disaster.”

Mamata, who addressed two back-to-back rallies in Malda and West Dinajpur district, demanded the PM's resignation.

"The PM has to say why medicines for Covid-19 patients are not available in the market. You (Modi) must ensure a steady supply of medicines. Either you control the pandemic or you resign," said Mamata.

She alleged that 65% of the drugs manufactured in the country for the treatment of Covid-19 patients have been exported. Mamata said that she had no objections to medicines and vaccines being given to other countries but the states must not be deprived of them.

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Mamata argued that the second wave of the pandemic in the country is more severe than the first one because of the scarcity of medicines and vaccines.

“Covid-19 cases had considerably decreased in the country. But the ongoing surge in the second wave is due to the Centre’s miserable failure and glaring incompetence,” said Mamata.

She said that since the Election Commission (EC) refused to consider Trinamool Congress’ (TMC) request to club the remaining phases of the Assembly elections she has to take the “double responsibility” of tackling the pandemic and campaigning for her party.

Later in the day, the CM told journalists that vaccination will start for everyone above 18 years from May 5 in Bengal as the ongoing election process will be over on May 2.

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Over the price difference for states and the Centre, she said, "Why such discrimination? This is no time to do business with vaccines." She ruled out imposing lockdown in Bengal and stressed on following Covid-19 protocols.

Bengal breaches 10,000 mark

Meanwhile, the daily Covid-19 cases in Bengal breached the 10,000 mark and the state recorded 10,784 fresh cases and 58 deaths in the last 24 hours. The discharge rate went down to 89.23% and the positivity rate stood at 6.92%. There are 63,496 active cases in Bengal at present.