“They have a problem with Yogi, Modi & even Vaccine”: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the opposition on Thursday for raising concerns over the Centre's performance in administering a record number of Covid-19 vaccination doses across the country. Modi stated the Opposition questioned spending money behind the vaccine drive, but he did not name any specific political party. “They (Opposition) have a problem with Yogi (Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath), Modi and even the vaccine,” in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur, PM said while addressing the rally.

According to Modi, there are two categories of people who are afraid of vaccines: those who oppose the immunization push and those who are afraid of the coronavirus itself.

He claimed that he came to Fatehpur to warn residents about those who spread rumors and mislead them. The Prime Minister went on to say that it is his good fortune to be able to serve the people of the northern state.

The PM inquired if everyone at the event had received the Covid-19 vaccine shots in a direct connection with the crowd. As the crowd erupted in applause, Modi went on to ask if the state administration had taken a single rupee from the people to administer vaccine doses.

"Parivarwadi are calling the vaccines 'BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) ka tika," Modi added, in a veiled assault on the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress over dynastic politics. He then asked the crowd whether anyone told them when they got their vaccinations that the immunizations were from the saffron party. The crowd erupted in applause, signaling a negative response.

The Prime Minister stated that it is his responsibility to work for the people of Uttar Pradesh and spend cash for their welfare and development in exchange for all of the affection and support he and his government have gotten from the state.

Modi went on to add that the people of the northern state had opted to organize colorful triumph celebrations ahead of Holi on March 10 this year, intensifying his attack on the opposition.

“They (Opposition) said how can one talk about sauchalay (toilet) standing at Lal Quila during an event that is being watched worldwide?…But they haven't seen poverty," PM said during the rally. Modi also cited his first address as Prime Minister of India, which he gave at Delhi's Lal Quila (Red Fort), in which he talked about building toilets for India's rural and underprivileged homes, with a focus on the needs of women and girls.

Modi acknowledged his humble beginnings and stated that he had witnessed and comprehended poverty. He also slammed the opposition for opposing the triple talaq ban, claiming that they had a problem with it as well. "Should I not consider the welfare of the country's women?" he questioned the audience.

The Prime Minister claimed that Parivarwadis in Uttar Pradesh are "afraid" of losing their "vote bank" because Modi is providing the poor with numerous services including health schemes, housing, and toilets, among other things.

On Sunday, February 20, the third phase of Uttar Pradesh assembly elections will be held, with 59 constituencies across 16 districts on the ballot. On March 7, the final round of the elections will take place, followed by the counting of votes on March 10.

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