Opposition slams Centre over oxygen shortage, vaccine policy in RS

Opposition MPs slammed the Centre over management of Covid-19 pandemic during discussion in Rajya Sabha. Issues like lack of oxygen, health infrastructure, vaccination were mainly put forth by the members.

New Delhi: Opposition MPs slammed the Centre over management of Covid-19 pandemic during discussion in Rajya Sabha. Issues like lack of oxygen, health infrastructure, vaccination were mainly put forth by the members. Opposition members also alerted the government on the third wave and critiqued the government's preparedness.

Shantanu Sen, All India Trinamool Congress MP said it is a "matter of shame" that people were dying on the roads. He also pointedly said the Centre charges three prices for Covid vaccine, one for the centre, another for state and yet another for private sector. He pointed out that Lancet, WHO, Supreme Court and many other foreign countries have criticised India's Covid policy.

Manoj Kumar Jha, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP alleged that government failed in tackling second wave of Covid. Further, he claimed governments since 1947 have collectively failed as reeling health infrastructure point out.

Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena) accused the government of "inept handling" of the pandemic. Raut hit the Centre stating the government was busy dispatching vaccines abroad while the pandemic was surging. He curtly asked why the government is hiding the data on Covid deaths. Reports point out more number of deaths than official figures, he said.

Anand Sharma, Congress MP lauded the nation's scientists, doctors, paramedics, vaccine manufacturers. He traced back 1990s and said that India was the largest manufacturer of vaccines across the world then. The country has not been recognised for its manufacturing abilities today, he said.

Following a stormy session of Parliament on July 19 over the Pegasus snooping row, the Opposition's furore in both Houses continued on Tuesday too. Rajya Sabha was adjourned thrice. The session would conclude on August 13. A total of 31 bills are proposed to be introduced in Parliament.