While attending a press conference today, Kerala Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala extended support to the Kerala government in the Covid-19 fight. The senior Congress leader said, "The UDF will stand with the government in the fight." He further added that the LDF government should also consider the opinion of the opposition.
Chennithala said that the Opposition will not take up the Covid-19 vaccine challenge and asked why the government had announced the project if they are short of money. As a part of the protest over the Central government's policy of fixing different prices for the Covid-19 vaccine, a social media campaign was launched. The campaign aims for contributing to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) has been widely accepted.
Chennithala also said that the government should avoid unnecessary panic over the spread of Covid. He said, life-saving facilities, including oxygen, must be ensured. The senior Congress leader demanded that isolated incidents should not be exacerbated and vaccine shortages should be avoided.
The Kerala Opposition Leader expressed displeasure over the announcement of lockdown even though the situation is severe. While reacting to the complaint against Sudhakaran, Ramesh Chennithala said that Alappuzha is facing a serious issue as there is an attempt to crucify G Sudhakaran.
According to reports, over Rs 1 crore was collected within two days after the launch of the campaign. The campaign is still gaining attention and many are contributing to a good cause. From February 27, 2020, to April 23, 2022, a total of Rs 525.3 crore was collected in the CMDRF. Reportedly, the government used Rs 730.22 crore for Covid-19 related works.
Meanwhile, while addressing a press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed concern over the vaccine price hike. The Kerala government have to raise Rs 1,300 crore for the vaccine as the government decided to purchase it directly from the manufacturer.
During the conference, CM stressed that the unavailability of Covid vaccine at a low price will create great trouble in the fight against the Coronavirus spread. The CM had requested the PM to supply vaccine freely to all the states considering the financial crisis.
