COVID Vaccine: PM Modi’s Image Removed from Certificates; Here’s the Reason Why
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has removed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photo from the COVID-19 vaccine certificates (CoWIN). Previously, the certificates featured Modi’s image alongside a quote about defeating COVID-19, but now the quote remains without his name.
The change was noted by social media users and attributed to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. This is not the first time such a change has occurred during state assemblies and general elections. Emphasizing the importance of COVID-19-appropriate behavior post-vaccination.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare officials confirmed that the image was removed according to the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) directions. As the MCC is in place during the ongoing seven-phase LS polls. “Modi ji no more visible on Covid Vaccine certificates Just downloaded to check – yes. His pic is gone,” a social media user named Sandeep Manudhane said.
COVID Vaccine: PM Modi’s Image Removed from Certificates; Here’s the Reason Why
Modi’s photograph has been removed from vaccination certificates in the past. In 2022, his image was removed from certificates issued in five poll-bound states. Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur, and Goa – before their assembly elections.
This move had caused controversy before, but the Kerala High Court dismissed a plea challenging it in 2021, stating that the Indian government may be proud of its Prime Minister, unlike other countries.
Recently, AstraZeneca admitted the potential side effects of Covishield, including Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), which has raised concerns about the vaccine’s safety. However, the removal of Modi’s photo from the certificates was not directly linked to this development. Instead, it was a result of the ongoing election process.
