Centre diverted our testing kits to West Bengal: Telangana govt
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Telangana Health Minister Etela Rajender launched a scathing attack on the Centre alleging that it diverted high-end testing devices procured by the state to Kolkata after the intervention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
File image for representation: Reuters
Telangana Health Minister Etela Rajender launched a scathing attack on the Centre alleging that it diverted high-end testing devices procured by the state to Kolkata after the intervention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The attack comes a day after BJP President JP Nadda criticised the K Chandrashekar Rao-led Telangana government over its handling of the Covid-19 crisis in the state during the virtual ‘Jansamvad’ virtual rally on Saturday.
Telangana Health Minister Etela Rajender alleged Centre of doing petty politics and lashed out at the BJP for making false allegations on the TRS-led state government.
”Before the BJP makes allegations against regional parties, they should talk about their performance in the states ruled by them,” E Rajender said.
Defending his government and rubbishing BJP chief’s allegation of not doing enough on Covid-19 testing and tracing, the health minister said that, in fact, Telangana was the first state to take proactive measures in dealing with the global pandemic.
He alleged that in spite of state alerting Centre, it failed to react on Markaz congregation which was “near to parliament” and lead to the spread of Covid-19 across the country.
‘CM KCR was the first to support the prime minister and his initiative of clapping and lighting lamps without playing politics on coronavirus ‘ Telangana health minister said.
He even criticised the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for “continuously changing Covid-19 guidelines and policies”.
The health minister also accused the Centre of diverting high-end testing devices procured by Telangana to Kolkata after the intervention by PM Modi.
”it could have enhanced our testing capacity to 450-500 test per day. When I took up the issue with the Union Health Minister Dr Harshvardhan, he said they were required in west Bengal as cases were more rapid there. We didn’t protest or politicise it,” Etela Rajender said.
He also alleged that the state was not provided with an adequate number of ventilators even after repeatedly requesting the Centre.
“We asked for 1000 ventilators, you gave us only 50,” alleged Etela Rajender.
He put the blame on Centre for not providing financial assistance in the fight against Covid-19 while the state’s coffers are in strain.
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