415 Corona patients but Rahul, BJP score political points

New Delhi (IANS) India's political discourse seems not to leave any opportunity to be confrontational, even in face of Covid-19 pandemic. After Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of not stockpiling protective equipments for health workers despite WHO warning, BJP's Amit Malviya has thrown documents at Gandhi to prove him wrong.

BJP's national social media head Malviya tweeted: "GoI had banned export of N95 masks, body overalls and 2-3 ply masks on 31 Jan itself, much before any WHO advisory. N95 respirators and body overalls being the most critical personal protective gear for COVID-19, haven't been allowed to be exported since." He even attached government documents to back his claim.

This retort comes after Congress MP Rahul Gandhi quoted a news article to allege: "Respected Prime Minister, WHO's advice 1. Ventilator 2. Surgical Mask. Why did the Indian government allow the export of all these things till March 19, instead of having sufficient stock."

Gandhi went on to assert, "What forces were behind this mess? Isn't this a criminal conspiracy?"

The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in India stands at 415, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Seven people have succumbed to the virus till now. But that doesn't seem to have stopped India's ruling and prime opposition parties to indulge in mudslinging.