“As soon as scientists clear the vaccine, there will be mass production in India. We promise that every person in Bihar will get free vaccination. This is the first promise mentioned in our poll manifesto,” Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made the announcement while unveiling the BJP manifesto for Bihar. BJP's "free coronavirus vaccination for all" promise in Bihar ahead of next week's election has become hugely controversial. There is a global race to produce a COVID-19 vaccine & trials are on in many countries, including India. However, this is the first time that a vaccine, especially one that is work in progress, is an election promise. Refer to your state election schedules to know when to get the Covid vaccine, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi quipped. BJP's estranged ally Akali Dal has joined the list of opposition parties. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who till last month, had been a minister in the Modi government, said, "Using this life saving vaccine as a tool for votes is totally unethical". "What about non-BJP ruled states?" Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) questioned. Congress MP and former union minister Shashi Tharoor also tweeted. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah called it blatant populism. For hours, the only response to the criticism was from Amit Malviya of the BJP's IT cell. The government has so far not answered questions related to vaccine delivery and pricing. Bihar Assembly Elections will be conducted in three phases between October 28 & November 3. Results will be declared on November 10.
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