Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s ‘nautanki’ is the reason behind the second wave of COVID-19 in India, said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while addressing an online press conference on Friday.

Congress leader blamed the NDA government for poor COVID management and said that the delay in India’s vaccination drive is a huge cause of concern. He further said that the vaccination is a permanent solution of this disaster not lockdowns and wearing masks.

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Gandhi further highlighted the lapse in the vaccination process and said that the Narendra Modi government failed to make necessary arrangements for the inoculation drive despite his requests.

“Preparation for the vaccine drive in India should have been started last year itself. The Prime Minister ignored my repeated requests about vaccine availability and its mass distribution,” said Gandhi.

Congress leader also called for a transparent information flow and urged the PM to stop hiding or manipulating COVID death figures, testing numbers or vaccination figures.

“Every time the PM hides death tolls, testings being done or disallow a journalist to ask a question is when he is giving the space to the virus to prevail,” said Gnadhi

Gandhi also said that the Prime Minister assumed victory over COVID despite his party’s repeated warning against the second wave. 

“PM Modi had expressed India’s victory against COVID19. This is an evolving disease. Lockdowns & wearing of masks is a temporary solution,” said Gandhi.

On being asked about the External Minister’s conspiracy comment on his questions, Gandhi said, “This government fails to understand the meaning of opposition and instead of solving a problem when we raise it, they call it a conspiracy.”

He further added that the ruling government has a fundamental misunderstanding of power, democracy and duty.