Margao vaccination drive: Cong, BJP clash over political mileage

MARGAO: After the spat of Deputy Chief Minister Manohar alias Babu Ajgaonkar and Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat over the issue of vaccination drive, now a clash between Congress and BJP workers was witnessed at Daivandya Bhavan, Margao. 

The clash went to the extent that the police have to intervene and take control over the law and order situation. Heated arguments were also witnessed between the workers of both the parties, as they blamed each other and alleged taking political mileage over the vaccination drive. 

After the objection raised by Vice-Chairperson of Margao Municipal Council Dipali Sawal, the police asked the BJP workers to remove the ambulance, which has a logo of the BJP party and parked inside the compound of the centre.

Earlier, the BJP workers refused to remove the ambulance having banner or logo of BJP on it. 

BJP supporter named Parag Raikar had gone to provide breakfast to the doctors and medical staff, however, Congress workers stopped the vehicle of Raikar, and thereafter the heated argument was witnessed. 

Speaking to the media persons, Vice-Chairperson Dipali said it was due to the initiative of Margao MLA Digambar Kamat for vaccination centres to be approved and in order to function properly, MLA has made all the required arrangements, including the refreshment. 

“Suddenly, the BJP workers came at the centre and demanded entry inside the compound of the vaccination centre. When asked they said to distribute the refreshment. We told them that all the arrangements have been done and requested them not to make a rush over here. Thereafter, they started the arguments,” she informed. 

Dipali also alleged that one of the BJP workers went inside the hall and was watching a lady, who was taking jab, which was later objected to. 

“We have also not allowed the BJP workers to light a lamp as an inauguration of the vaccination drive. We have noticed that the BJP workers and leaders are just entering the vaccination centres and performing the formalities of inaugurations, which we have objected to,” Dipali claimed. 

As informed by the sources, the ambulance belongs to the BJP was asked to keep outside, which was parked inside the compound of the vaccination centre. 

General Secretary of BJP Margao Mandal Navin Raikar alleged that this was an attempt by Congress to disturb the vaccination drive.