Mamata Banerjee writes to PM Modi requesting vaccines for bigger mass in poll-bound West Bengal

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Banerjee wrote, "...West Bengal being an election-going State, we are required to reach out practically to every government and para-statal employee on an urgent basis to make the election safe.

"However, the worrying point is that, in the ensuing elections, the people in general will be forced to go to the polling stations without any vaccination coverage. We feel that it is equally important to reach out to them with a rapid vaccination programme immediately for interest of health and well-being of all concerned with the election process.

"Under the circumstances, Government of West Bengal has decided to procure adequate number of vaccines for the members of the public at large. We would request you to take up the matter with appropriate authority, so that State Government is able to purchase the vaccines from designated point (s) on top priority basis, because the West Bengal Government wants to provide vaccination free of cost to all the people."

Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which rules the Centre, has accused Banerjee of playing politics over the vaccination drive.

BJP co-incharge in West Bengal, Amit Malviya, tweeted, "Pishi wrote to PM asking for more Covid vaccine. But has WB used the existing lot?

"Of the 22,51,800 Covishield and 4,97,760 Covaxin sent, WB has used just 8,26,290 (36.7%) and 63,380 (12.7%) respectively. Additional 7,38,000 and 3,75,840 doses are in transit. Shameful politics!"

The central government on Wednesday said people aged above 60 and those above 45 years of age with co-morbidities will be able to received Covid-19 vaccines from Mar 1.