Nawab Malik alleges that Central government has threatened export companies with consequences if they give drug to state
Nawab Malik and Mansukh Mandaviya
In yet another scuffle with the Centre over pandemic-related supplies, the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s minister Nawab Malik accused the Centre of threatening 16 export companies that their license will be revoked, if they supplied the COVID-19 treatment drug Remdesivir to Maharashtra. Malik said the state government will seize the stock of Remdesivir from these exporters and supply it to the needy. His allegations made on Twitter evoked a strong responses from the Union cabinet minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
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“It is sad & shocking that when Government of Maharashtra asked the 16 export companies for #Remdesivir, we were told that Central Government has asked them not to supply the medicine to #Maharashtra. These companies were warned, if they did, their license will be cancelled,” read Malik’s post.
He added in another tweet, “This is a dangerous precedent and under these circumstances, Maharashtra Government will have no choice but to seize the stock of Remdesivir from these exporters and supply it to the needy.”
Union Minister of State for chemicals and ports, Mandaviya said Malik’s allegation was shocking. “It is full of half truths and lies and the threats issued are unacceptable. He is unaware of the ground situation. GoI has been in active contact with officers of GoM and is assisting with supply of Remdesivir in every manner,” Mandaviya tweeted in response.
He said the Centre is doubling the production in the country and has given permission for 20 more plants to manufacturers. “Ensuring adequate supply of Remdesivir to the people of Maharashtra remains our priority,” he said, asking Malik to share the names of 16 companies, availability of stock and other details.
Congress, too, stepped in to endorse Malik’s allegations. “The Modi government is acting cruelly against humanity. How many more lives does the BJP need to gain power in Maharashtra,” asked party’s spokesperson Sachin Sawant.
Sawant said when the Centre and states were expected to stand together in fighting the pandemic, the Modi government was trying to make things difficult for the MVA government.
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