‘Go to Pakistan’: BJP MLA comments on Muslims sparks row   

Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Sangeet Som sparked a latest controversy by saying that Muslims who do not have faith in the COVID-19 vaccines, developed by the country, should go to Pakistan. Sangeet Singh Som, who represents Sardhana seat in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district, went on to say the Muslims who do not trust Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the country's scientists should move to the Pakistan.

"It's unfortunate that some Muslims do not trust our country, our scientists, our police force and PM Modi. Their soul belongs to Pakistan. They should go to Pakistan and not raise doubt over the work of our scientists," he said when asked about the Muslim community's concern over the use of pork in the coronavirus vaccine.

While talking to ANI, Sangeet Som supported his statement and said there is nothing wrong in the statement he made.

“I'd said that if people don't trust their own scientists, Govt, PM, Army & Police, it means that they don't trust their own country. So, they should go back to wherever they want to. If they trust Pakistan, they should go there. What is wrong in what I said?,” BJP MLA told ANI.

Earlier, Sangeet Som also shared his thoughts on the ongoing farmers’ agitation over new farm laws. he claimed that none among those staging dharna are farmers. “Rather they are anti-farmers,” he said.

Meanwhile, India is all set to kick off the vaccination drive against Covid-19 on January 16, 2021. The rollout of Covid vaccine will provide priority to the healthcare workers and the frontline workers who are estimated to be around 3 crore, followed by those above 50 years of age.

Giving the information, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “On 16th January, India takes a landmark step forward in fighting COVID-19. Starting that day, India’s nation-wide vaccination drive begins. Priority will be given to our brave doctors, healthcare workers, frontline workers including Safai Karamcharis.”

India’s drugs regulator recently approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute, and the indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country.