Mangaluru : BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel said, this is not the time for politics. We need to instil confidence in people of Karnataka. Hence, give us suggestions and cooperate with the government instead of criticising unnecessarily.

He told reporters here on Friday that those opposition parties are responsible for the increase in cases because they spread misleading information about vaccines initially, calling it BJP’s vaccine.

The central government is making all efforts to produce more vaccines in the nation. When the central government launched the vaccination drive, many criticised it as a BJP vaccine. Now they are complaining about the shortage of Covishield and Covaxin. Do not politicise this issue and play with the health of people. Rajasthan saw a large number of cases while Maharashtra and Delhi also witnessed a surge. Currently, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are also witnessing a surge in Covid-19 cases. Those who are criticising the Karnataka government should know this too. Our chief minister has been working tirelessly and the situation is getting better after the lockdown,” Kateel said.

The state government has been taking all measures to fight pandemic. The number of oxygenated beds available under the health department has been increased from 1,970 in 2020 to 24,000 in 2021. Similarly, under the medical education department, the number of oxygenated beds increased from 4,700 to 9,405. The central government has increased the oxygen supply from 965 tons to 1,015 tons. While the state government will construct 62 oxygen plants, the central government has sanctioned 28 plants and the National Highway Authority of India will set up 24. In addition, 11 oxygen plants are being constructed through CSR activities by companies. While 3,000 oxygen concentrators have already been distributed, very soon 7,000 more units will be procured, he said.

The State government will procure five crore doses of vaccines which will be administered to beneficiaries in the 18 – 44 years age group, he added.