PM Modi asks BJP MPs to cite vaccine availability as counter to Opposition charge

According to The Indian Express, Modi, the supreme face of the BJP,  said the primary opposition party Congress is in "coma" and it is unable to digest the saffron party in power.

The Prime Minister has already sought time from the floor leaders of all parties Tuesday evening when he will brief them about COVID-19 situation.

However, the Opposition is in no mood to hear from the Prime Minister at a separate meeting.

The opposition leaders are demanding a briefing by the government in Parliament.

"First discussion and then presentation. If he (PM Modi) wants to give a presentation on COVID, he should give it in the Central Hall separately to MPs and Rajya Sabha members. MPs should be allowed to discuss COVID-related issues in their constituencies," Congress Rajya Sabha floor leader Mallikarjun Kharge said.

Taking strong objection to the Prime Minister's separate meeting on COVID-19, Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien Monday said, "We want all issues of national interest to be debated on the floor of Parliament."

Though the vaccination drive was centralised on Jun 21, the country has witnessed a dip in the daily inoculations over the last few weeks.

The country's Health Ministry Tuesday claimed over 42 crore vaccine doses have been provided to the states and union territories.

The Modi government, which fairly handled the COVID-19 first wave despite lockdown miseries, was unsparingly slammed for its handling of the coronavirus second wave earlier this year.

With hospitals running out of oxygen supplies, beds with lack of vaccines in the early months of the year, the government's role was brought under scanner by the Opposition.