Bihar Elections 2020: Election Commission Clarifies 'Free Covid-19 Vaccine Promise Not Violation Of Poll Code'

Bihar Elections 2020: The controversy erupted last week when Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman released BJP's manifesto for the Bihar Assembly Elections and promised free Covid-19 vaccination for everyone in the state.

Image: PTI

Bharatiya Janata Party's poll promise of free covid-19 vaccine for people in Bihar has received a clearance from the Election Commission of India. Responding to RTI filed by activist Saket Gokhale, the poll body said that the promise to provide free coronavirus vaccines does not violate the model code of conduct during Assembly elections in Bihar. According to a report by news agency PTI, the agency in its response said, "...no violation of any of the provisions of Model Code of Conduct has been observed..." The Election Commission reportedly cited "Directive Principles of State Policy (as) enshrined in the Constitution..." and said that "there can be no objection to the promise of welfare in an election manifesto". The poll body went on to say that the voter's trust should be sought only on those promises that can actually be fulfilled. The controversy erupted last week when Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman released the BJP's manifesto for the Bihar Assembly Elections and promised free Covid-19 vaccination for everyone in the state. The announcement was met with severe criticism from opposition parties. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah and several souther politicians voiced their displeasure and labeled the BJP’s vaccine promise an election stunt. "You are talking about giving free vaccines in Bihar. Is rest of the country Pakistan or Bangladesh? Those speaking like that should be ashamed of themselves. You are at the centre," Uddhav Thackeray said. The BJP is contesting the Bihar polls as part of the National Democratic Alliance, along with the Janata Dal (United) and other parties. Bihar goes to polls on October 28, November 03, and 07. The counting of votes will take place on November 10.