Don't Worry About Covid, Cast Vote: Mamata Banerjee On Poll Eve

"PM is doing Maan ka Baat. Who is interested? We need Covid ka baat. Our oxygen is getting diverted to Uttar Pradesh," Mamata Banerjee said

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shredded the Centre today over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, especially in terms of oxygen shortage and vaccine prices. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said, only gives "bhashan" (speeches). On her part, she said the Covid patients in the state "should vote" and that she has asked the Chief Secretary to make arrangements. "Don't worry about Covid. I am your pehradar (watchman),"she said. "I am doing more Covid meetings than campaign meets," Ms Banerjee said at a virtual rally today -- held at Behrampore in Murshidabad district -- after cancelling all her political rallies last week in view of the Covid crisis. On Thursday, PM Modi had also cancelled his four scheduled rallies -- hours before the Election Commission announced multiple restrictions -- and held a single, virtual meeting. Political leaders have been facing criticism for their preoccupation with elections in Bengal, when thousands are dying in the second surge of the pandemic that's fast spinning out of control.