Govt to blur PM’s photo on COVID-19 certificates in poll-bound states

The Union Health Ministry has decided to mask Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photograph on COVID-19 certificates in poll-bound states, days after the Election Commission asked it to stop using the prime minister’s image and name on the certificates in compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.

The MCC is in force in the states of West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry which are headed for polls.

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The Election Commission’s rap came after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee pointed out that the picture of the prime minister on vaccination certificates violates the MCC. Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien in a letter to the EC had also said that Modi’s photo on the certificates were “blatantly misusing official machinery” in the poll-bound state.

“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 vaccines,” O’Brien said.

On Monday, senior Congress leader Marri Shashidhar Reddy in Hyderabad lodged a similar complaint with the poll body and sought the removal of Modi’s photo from the vaccination certificate.

Reddy said that despite the EC’s message to the Health Ministry, certificates bearing Modi’s photo are being issued in Telangana where MLC polls to two graduate constituencies are scheduled for March 14.

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Modi’s mother gets first shot of COVID-19 vaccine

Meanwhile, Modi tweeted that his mother Heera Ben took her first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday. He urged others to motivate people around them to get vaccinated.

“Happy to share that my mother has taken the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine today. I urge everyone to help and motivate people around you who are eligible to take the vaccine,” Modi tweeted.

He, however, didn’t specify which vaccine his mother was administered.

Modi himself took his first shot of Covaxin on March 1, the day the government’s vaccination drive was opened to people above 60 years of age and those above 45 with co-morbidities.