Remove PM’s image from Covid vaccination certificates: EC to Health Ministry

NEW DELHI:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the Central Government to remove Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photo from Covid-19 vaccine certificates in all poll-bound states and Union Territories where the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in place ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

Earlier, Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress submitted a written complaint to the Election Commission (EC) alleging that the use of PM Modi’s image on provisional certificates issued during Covid-19 vaccination violated the model code of conduct.

It had labelled the picture a “misuse of official machinery by the PM”.

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The EC has asked for a report from the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer to verify the veracity of the TMC’s complaint.

Based on the CEO’s report, the EC has now instructed the Health Ministry to find a way in the system so that the PM’s image does not appear on the vaccination certificates distributed in the poll-bound states.

“By placing his photograph, name and message on the provisional certificates issued by the ministry of health and family welfare, he is not only exploiting his post and powers but also stealing commendable credit from the producers of COVID-19 vaccines. He is blatantly appropriating the dues of a vast army of selfless doctors, nurses and health service workers,” stated Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien in a letter to the election body.