Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, May 29: Former MLC Ivan D’Souza alleged that out of 100 vaccine doses, 70 are for the public and 30 for BJP supporters and also that BJP is running a vaccine mafia.

Addressing media here on Saturday May 29, he said, “The vaccination centers see huge crowds where 500 people gather for 100 doses of vaccine. As many as 70 coupons are distributed for 100 doses and remaining 30 are kept by BJP MLAs and representatives. If 500 people gather, 430 are sent back. After people vacate vaccination centres, these BJP representatives bring their relatives or persons known to them for vaccination. It has also come to notice that coupons are being sold at Rs 200 at Vamanjoor.

“BJP are deciding who should take the vaccine and who should not, leading to a mafia. The gap between the first and second dose is decided by the BJP. While the Prime Minister and the state government has announced free vaccination, BJP MLAs and MPs are recommending people to take vaccination from private hospital which costs from Rs 900 to Rs 2,000. Why these representatives promoting private hospitals?

“Only 10% of the population in the country has taken vaccination. Can it be termed as irresponsibility or a failure? Even the service charges at private hospitals for vaccination has increased from Rs 100 to Rs 200. Why are the vaccines easily available at private hospitals and not in government hospitals? BJP has made vaccination drives a business. They are fit to do business and are not in favour of people.

“We will carry out silent protest on Monday March 31 at Bejai school condemning this vaccine mafia,” he said.

Ivan also said, “We urge the district administration to allow to open all the shops and change the present timings to 8 am-12 noon. Along with essentials, all others shops should be opened at least for two hours.”