While battling with the second wave of COVID-19, Nawab Malik, National Spokesperson of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Minister for Minorities in Maharashtra, has warned that the Center should not try to get Maharashtra in trouble by cutting the oxygen quota from Bellary in Karnataka. While the quota for the state has been fixed, now the Center has reduced it by 50 tonnes. It could be used in the districts of Western Maharashtra and Marathwada, but the role of the Center is unjust, said Nawab Malik.
He said that besides 50 tonnes deduction, the Centre has also asked to transport 11 to 12 tonnes from Kolhapur to Goa. The state government provides 1,200 tonnes and the central government provides an additional 300 tonnes. But now it will be deducted from Bellary. "The Center should not do injustice by making these cuts," said Nawab Malik.
With BJP governments in Karnataka and Goa, it is not appropriate to pay too much attention and do injustice to Maharashtra. Nawab Malik also demanded that the role of the Center in taking over the BJP-ruled state is not right when we need it.
"Now Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced that vaccinations will be given only to locals on Aadhaar card basis. But their people are spread all over the country for work purposes. So if other states take a stand of not vaccinating them, will it be humane?questioned Nawab Malik. He also asked what would happen if the decision creates a serious situation in the country.
Meanwhile, Nawab Malik has also asked about the decision taken by Yogi Adityanath and what decision will be taken by the central government regarding the vaccine.
Besides, Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope on Tuesday informed that the decision on extending lockdown in the state will be taken in the CM Uddhav Thackeray's review meeting slated to be held tomorrow.
He informed that the decision on extending the lockdown beyond May 15 up to May 31 will be notified after the meeting.
Amid the second wave, the Maharashtra government had imposed a lockdown from April 22 to May 1. It was extended to May 15 to break the virus chain.
