Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has caused a flutter with comments on manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines.
Speaking at a virtual meeting of vice-chancellors on Tuesday, Gadkari said formulae of vaccines should be shared with more companies. The same demand was made by opposition figures including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
"If the demand is more than the supply, it creates problems. Instead of one, let 10 more companies be given the license for vaccine manufacture... and royalty too," Gadkari was quoted as saying by NDTV.
His comments came as the Narendra Modi government has been panned for the planning and implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination drive. Shortages of vaccine supplies have been reported across the country for weeks.
"I am sure there are two-three labs in each state that have the capability and infrastructure. Share the formula and coordinate with them to increase production. Let them supply in country and later if there's surplus, they can export stocks. This can be done in 15-20 days: This can be done to resolve the vaccine shortage," Gadkari was quoted as saying by NDTV.
At the event, Gadkari also spoke about issues such as shortage of firewood for cremations and deaths due to lack of oxygen.
The Indian Express reported, "The road transport and highways minister also said that he would propose to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs that better arrangements be made for the cremation of bodies. He said cremations can be cost-effective if fuels, such as diesel, ethanol and biogas, and electricity are used instead of sandalwood."
Gadkari noted, "People died because of a lack of oxygen. This was not good."
Congress takes note
Not surprisingly, the Congress latched on to the comments on vaccine production by Gadkari, who is considered a political 'heavyweight' in the BJP. Former Union minister Jairam Ramesh tweeted a video of Gadkari's comments and took aim at Prime Minister Modi.
Ramesh claimed the same suggestion to boost vaccine production had been made by former prime minister Manmohan Singh last month. Manmohan had been criticised by the BJP for a letter he wrote to the Modi government on the COVID-19 situation. Ramesh tweeted, "But is his Boss listening? This is what Dr. Manmohan Singh had suggested on April 18th."
Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill also played up the comments by Gadkari. Shergill tweeted, "Mr Gadkari says to solve Vaccine demand supply issue more manufacturing licenses should be given Problem is-Nation is demanding vaccines,BJP is supplying fake tool kits. Good to know at least 1 BJP Minister is waking up to reality-How many more have to die to wake up the 'System'?"
