t’s shocking to note that ahead of Bihar polls, the BJP has come out with a promise of free Covid vaccines for all in the state if voted to power. Deplorably the vaccine has become part of poll rhetoric even if it is non-existent. It's appalling to see that ”a party with a difference” is dangling the non-existent vaccine in front of Bihar voters to woo them. The electorate is sought to be dehumanised when they are asked to barter votes for vaccines. I feel it’s a sheer moral bankruptcy to attempt to make political capital out of a pandemic that has discombobulated our lives.
More shocking is the governments of Tamilnadu, MP following the suit by announcing free vaccine for all, as elections are going to take place soon, while TS also not lagging in offering free vaccines, keeping Dubbaka & GHMC Elections in view, without realising that it’s implicitly saying that official benefits will now flow selectively among those who vote for it as quid-pro-quo, which sounds as bad as a public threat. Worse, it is not just another instance of poll populism -- it’s an attempt to manipulate the anxieties caused by the most lethal pandemic to have ravaged the world in more than a century. No doubt poll promises have no face value anywhere on earth. Still, BJP promises every Bihari a free vaccine if voted to power is not acceptable. Anyway, such promises of unrealistic nature where no vaccine is at near sight, let alone completely ready in midst of a pandemic are unfair. This only proves that the party is fearful of being defeated and hence is selling this fear of pandemic to the people. If the Centre wants to give away vaccines free of cost, they have to do so in the entire country not only Bihar or so.
After the dismal performance of the JDU-BJP coalition in handling pandemic, the returnee migrant issues, and not to forget the recent floods, the NDA must be offering free vaccines to woo the electorate. It should instead focus on improving the conditions in core sectors like Education, Employment,&Health care, etc
If cynical opportunism is what BJP is playing at, to defend its electoral position in Bihar then Bihar can also ask about the promise of a “special package” that has been spoken of ad nauseam by CM Nitish for more than a decade. Politics over the vaccine, taking the center stage instead of addressing pressing issues of reviving the ailing economy and growing unemployment affirms that all political parties have a single point agenda to win elections at any cost using all gimmicks.
When health has been State subject the governments have to take a call over the distribution of vaccine once it gets ready under the universal program while all political parties jumping into the fray to make all tall promises like a free vaccine is a serious issue that requires the urgent intervention of Election Commission, lest it will be a mockery of an entire poll system.
