A controversy, surrounding Maharashtra’s former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, erupted after it came to light that his 23-year-old nephew had received the COVID-19 vaccine. The BJP leader’s nephew, Tanmay (23), reportedly had shared a picture of him getting the second vaccine dose, a post that he later deleted.

Also read: Lockdown fine but Maharashtra govt should help the poor: Devendra Fadnavis

As per the Centre’s guidelines, only those above the age of 45 are eligible to get vaccinated.

Sharing a picture of Tanmay, Congress asked how could Fadnavis’ nephew get vaccinated if he was less than 45 years of age.

“Just like Remdesivir, are you hoarding Vaccines & giving it to your family members?” asked Congress’ Srivatsa.

“Tanmay Fadnavis has committed a crime & must be immediately arrested,” he went on to say.

“Like someone said, this is privilegeitis,'” tweeted Shiv Sena’s Priyanka Chaturvedi.

Meanwhile, several Twitter users had a hilarious take on the issue.

The incident came at a time when several states are facing vaccine shortage.

Meanwhile, the former Maharashtra CM distanced himself from the controversy and said “Tanmay Fadnavis is my distant relative,” reported PTI.

“I have no idea under which criteria he received his dose. If it has been taken as per guidelines, then there should be no objection. But if it is in violation of guidelines, it is completely improper,” the BJP leader added.

His wife, Amruta, too spoke on the issue. 

Responding to Shiv Sena’s Priyanka Chaturvedi, she said, “Priority for any service should be on basis of decorum or prevalent policy. No one is above rules & law.”

“The law can take its course and we stand for justice always ! We are with you on this issue, pls take action which will stop future queue breaking occurrences!” she tweeted.

India will start the third phase of its mass vaccination drive on May 1 in which everyone above the age of 18 can get vaccinated.