Free vaccine in Tamil Nadu, declares EPS

The BJP's promise of free Covid vaccine in Bihar ahead of state elections, was followed by a "me too" announcement from Tamil Nadu. The criticism of the BJP move on social media and among opposition parties going full swing, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami said a vaccine will be distributed free of charge in his state as well. “Once COVID-19 vaccine is ready, it will be provided to all people of the state free of cost," announced the Chief Minister, whose state is due for election next year. It is a crucial election for the ruling AIADMK, which is trying for a third term. For Palaniswami, who became an accidental Chief Minister after his predecessor Jayalalithaa's death, this is the first election as a Chief Ministerial candidate. DMK Chief MK Stalin, who narrowly missed the top job in 2016, is trying hard to capture power after his party swept 2019 Lok Sabha polls.