PM’s Photo Taken Off Vaccine Certificates: RJD Leader Spreads Wrong Information

Misa Bharti, a leader from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) party, has made a claim that is not true. She said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s picture was removed from Covid-19 vaccine certificates because he feared “defamation”. She claimed there were “doubtful results” from the vaccines. These statements are misleading and spread wrong information about India’s successful vaccination program.

Removing PM’s Photo is Routine During Elections

The removal of the Prime Minister’s photograph from vaccine certificates is a normal practice during election periods. This temporary step is taken to follow the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The MCC ensures a fair playing field for all political parties and prevents any misuse of government resources for electoral gains. 

The Prime Minister’s image was also removed from vaccine certificates during the state elections held in early 2022 across five states – Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. This practice has been followed by successive governments to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

India’s Vaccination Drive: A Big Success

Contrary to Misa Bharti’s claims, India’s Covid-19 vaccination drive has been a great success, praised by global health organizations and experts. As of May 2024, India has given over 2.2 billion vaccine doses, covering a large portion of its eligible population.

The vaccines used in India have gone through thorough testing and clinical trials. Their effectiveness and safety have been carefully evaluated by regulatory authorities. There is no credible evidence to support Bharti’s claim of “doubtful results” from the vaccines.

RJD’s Attempt to Discredit Vaccination Efforts

Bharti’s statements seem to be an attempt by the RJD to discredit India’s vaccination efforts and spread fear and wrong information among the public. Such irresponsible remarks not only undermine the hard work of healthcare workers but also risk eroding public confidence in the vaccines, which have proven to save countless lives.

The RJD leader’s claims of the need for an investigation into the vaccination program are unfounded and appear to be politically motivated. No credible concerns have been raised by reputable health organizations or experts regarding the integrity of India’s vaccination campaign.

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Call for Responsible Conduct

During a public health crisis, it is crucial for political leaders to act responsibly and refrain from spreading misinformation or making unsubstantiated claims. Such actions can have serious consequences and undermine public trust in vital health initiatives.

As the country continues its efforts to protect its citizens from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important that all stakeholders, including political parties, prioritize factual information and responsible conduct. Only through a collaborative and well-informed approach can India effectively address the challenges posed by the pandemic and ensure the well-being of its people.